Distinctive Gold: Blog Blog https://www.distinctivegold.com/ Fri, 29 Mar 2024 06:51:21 GMT urn:store:1:blog:post:142 https://www.distinctivegold.com/may-emerald May Emerald <p> </p> <p><em><img src="/images/uploaded/Images/BlogImages/crown.JPG" alt="" width="300" height="400" /></em></p> <p>Beloved for millennia, revered by Pharaohs and Incas.  Emeralds , it evokes rich images.  It is the birthstone of May.  Referenced as THE green color:  Emerald green.  The legendary Crown of the Andes. One of the emerald and gold treasures recovered from the sunken 17th century Spanish galleon <em>Nuestra Senora de Atocha</em>.   Stunning...photo courtesy Metropolitan Museum of Art</p> urn:store:1:blog:post:141 https://www.distinctivegold.com/march-2021-aquamarine-and-locations March 2021-Aquamarine and locations <div class="t pg-1m0 pg-1x2 pg-1h3 pg-1y2 pg-1ff1 pg-1fs0 pg-1fc0 pg-1sc0 pg-1ls0 pg-1ws0">#DGJ When it comes to certain areas of the world, there are some extraordinary locations that</div> <div class="t pg-1m0 pg-1x2 pg-1h3 pg-1y3 pg-1ff1 pg-1fs0 pg-1fc0 pg-1sc0 pg-1ls0 pg-1ws0">produce stunning gemstones. Brazil, the East coast of Africa, the island of Madagascar (was</div> <div class="t pg-1m0 pg-1x2 pg-1h3 pg-1y4 pg-1ff1 pg-1fs0 pg-1fc0 pg-1sc0 pg-1ls0 pg-1ws0">part of African continent), the island of Sri Lanka (the jewel box of the Indian Ocean). These</div> <div class="t pg-1m0 pg-1x2 pg-1h3 pg-1y5 pg-1ff1 pg-1fs0 pg-1fc0 pg-1sc0 pg-1ls0 pg-1ws0">areas produce not just one beautiful gemstone, but multiple gemstones! Africa produces</div> <div class="t pg-1m0 pg-1x2 pg-1h3 pg-1y6 pg-1ff1 pg-1fs0 pg-1fc0 pg-1sc0 pg-1ls0 pg-1ws0">diamonds, Tanzanite, Emerald, Amethyst, Garnet. Madagascar produces Ruby, Emerald,</div> <div class="t pg-1m0 pg-1x2 pg-1h3 pg-1y7 pg-1ff1 pg-1fs0 pg-1fc0 pg-1sc0 pg-1ls0 pg-1ws0">Sapphire, Garnet, and Tourmaline.(The island can be seen from space as having a red ring</div> <div class="t pg-1m0 pg-1x2 pg-1h3 pg-1y8 pg-1ff1 pg-1fs0 pg-1fc0 pg-1sc0 pg-1ls0 pg-1ws0">around it!). Sri Lanka produces Sapphire, fancy color Sapphires, Ruby, Tourmaline, Spinel.</div> <div class="t pg-1m0 pg-1x2 pg-1h3 pg-1y9 pg-1ff1 pg-1fs0 pg-1fc0 pg-1sc0 pg-1ls0 pg-1ws0">Brazil produces Beryl (Aquamarine) Quartz(citrine); Topaz, Tourmaline (the most important</div> <div class="t pg-1m0 pg-1x2 pg-1h3 pg-1ya pg-1ff1 pg-1fs0 pg-1fc0 pg-1sc0 pg-1ls0 pg-1ws0">color neon Paraiba blue)</div> <div class="t pg-1m0 pg-1x2 pg-1h3 pg-1ya pg-1ff1 pg-1fs0 pg-1fc0 pg-1sc0 pg-1ls0 pg-1ws0"> </div> <div class="t pg-1m0 pg-1x2 pg-1h3 pg-1yb pg-1ff1 pg-1fs0 pg-1fc0 pg-1sc0 pg-1ls0 pg-1ws0">So, just like clothing brands, you will see and hear the best of the best gems described by their</div> <div class="t pg-1m0 pg-1x2 pg-1h3 pg-1yc pg-1ff1 pg-1fs0 pg-1fc0 pg-1sc0 pg-1ls0 pg-1ws0">location, then the gem, e.g. Namibian Emerald, African Amethyst, Madagascan Ruby, Sri</div> <div class="t pg-1m0 pg-1x2 pg-1h3 pg-1yd pg-1ff1 pg-1fs0 pg-1fc0 pg-1sc0 pg-1ls0 pg-1ws0">Lankan Sapphire, and Brazilian Aquamarine, Paraiba Tourmaline and one location I haven’t</div> <div class="t pg-1m0 pg-1x2 pg-1h3 pg-1ye pg-1ff1 pg-1fs0 pg-1fc0 pg-1sc0 pg-1ls0 pg-1ws0">touched on, Burmese Ruby.</div> <div class="t pg-1m0 pg-1x2 pg-1h3 pg-1ye pg-1ff1 pg-1fs0 pg-1fc0 pg-1sc0 pg-1ls0 pg-1ws0"> </div> <div class="t pg-1m0 pg-1x2 pg-1h3 pg-1yf pg-1ff1 pg-1fs0 pg-1fc0 pg-1sc0 pg-1ls0 pg-1ws0">March babies have a beautiful blue-green gemstone in the Beryl species, the variety</div> <div class="t pg-1m0 pg-1x2 pg-1h3 pg-1y10 pg-1ff1 pg-1fs0 pg-1fc0 pg-1sc0 pg-1ls0 pg-1ws0">Aquamarine. The secondary birthstone for March is called Bloodstone, also known as</div> <div class="t pg-1m0 pg-1x2 pg-1h3 pg-1y11 pg-1ff1 pg-1fs0 pg-1fc0 pg-1sc0 pg-1ls0 pg-1ws0">heliotrope, it is a dark green Jasper with red iron oxide inclusions that look like spots.</div> <div class="t pg-1m0 pg-1x2 pg-1h3 pg-1y11 pg-1ff1 pg-1fs0 pg-1fc0 pg-1sc0 pg-1ls0 pg-1ws0"><img src="/images/uploaded/IMG_2952.jpg" alt="" width="240" height="320" /><img src="/images/uploaded/IMG_2959.jpg" alt="" width="240" height="320" /><img src="/images/uploaded/IMG_2949.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="300" /><img src="/images/uploaded/IMG_2956.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="300" /></div> urn:store:1:blog:post:140 https://www.distinctivegold.com/color-of-the-year-for-2021 Color of the year for 2021! <p><img src="/images/uploaded/Images/BlogImages/2021 color of year.png" alt="" width="86" height="130" /></p> <p>Pantone color of the year for 2021...is Aqua!</p> urn:store:1:blog:post:139 https://www.distinctivegold.com/stackables Stackables!! <p>Looking for a ring that stacks with others?  There are rose gold, yellow gold, white gold, rings with diamonds or colored gemstones.  Treat her or yourself to a ring for a successful event or a special day.  Before you know it you have a set of stackables that can be worn togeher or individually.</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><img src="/images/uploaded/Images/BlogImages/Photo Jul 28, 2 23 21 PM.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="300" /><img src="/images/uploaded/Images/BlogImages/Photo Jul 28, 2 26 08 PM.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="300" /></p> urn:store:1:blog:post:138 https://www.distinctivegold.com/dgj-custom-designs DGJ Custom Designs <p>When an artist creates your piece of jewelry, from rendering, to creating, to boxing it for your presentation, with DGJ you'll get your breathe taken away with the stunning results.</p> <p><img src="/images/uploaded/Images/BlogImages/pear diamond earrings.JPG" alt="" width="300" height="300" /><img src="/images/uploaded/Images/BlogImages/renderings of pear earrings.JPG" alt="" width="300" height="300" /><img src="/images/uploaded/Images/BlogImages/side view pear earrings.JPG" alt="" width="300" height="300" /></p> urn:store:1:blog:post:137 https://www.distinctivegold.com/pear-shaped-lab-grown-diamond Pear Shaped Lab Grown Diamond <p>#DGJLabGrownDiamonds Lore for wearing a pear shape is, point away from you sends energy, point towards you brings energy. Or wear it East/West just because it’s stylish. This beautiful pear is 1ct VVS1 G. It faces up a little larger than a round. So, how will you wear it?</p> <p><img src="/images/uploaded/Images/BlogImages/IMG_1865.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="300" /><img src="/images/uploaded/Images/BlogImages/IMG_1864.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="300" /><br /> </p> urn:store:1:blog:post:136 https://www.distinctivegold.com/mother-of-pearl Mother of Pearl <p>Mother of Pearl comes from the same source as pearls!</p> <p><img src="/images/uploaded/Images/BlogImages/71A035F7-8D2C-403E-AB5A-89C56EFAEDB2.jpeg" alt="" width="340" height="340" /><img src="/images/uploaded/Images/BlogImages/F396A890-EC8E-4E95-A93E-E4C646F86B6C.jpeg" alt="" width="340" height="340" /><img src="/images/uploaded/Images/BlogImages/3A2B49ED-D32F-48E4-AA71-7D3A423319E3.jpeg" alt="" width="340" height="340" /></p> urn:store:1:blog:post:135 https://www.distinctivegold.com/citizen-promaster-a-tough-watches Citizen Promaster Tough Series Watches <p id="docs-internal-guid-b6b1c11f-7fff-d890-c833-8140f6faf557" dir="ltr">Test the extremes with the brand new CITIZEN Promaster Tough series. Living up to its name, this timepiece features a monocoque case (2 piece construction resulting in no caseback) resulting in extreme rigidity, shock resistance and anti-magnetism. Super Titanium™ coating on a stainless steel case and bracelet allowing for anti-rust, scratch resistance, hypo-allergenic and 5X harder than stainless steel. Other features include anti-reflective sapphire crystal, super LumiNova hands and markers and ability to function in extreme temperatures. Featuring our Eco-Drive technology – powered by light, any light. Never needs a battery!!<br /><img src="/images/uploaded/Images/BlogImages/5524AA76-A81C-4C74-A885-6E6744F69DA3.jpeg" alt="" width="400" height="628" /></p> urn:store:1:blog:post:133 https://www.distinctivegold.com/purlfection Purlfection <p>Every woman should own a pearl!</p> <p><img src="/images/uploaded/Images/BlogImages/22534C22-8D72-4812-82B1-9E9EF55A5CA9.jpeg" alt="" width="300" height="300" /><img src="/images/uploaded/Images/BlogImages/22EB1E3D-2CA4-4018-A212-96D206B96C57.jpeg" alt="" width="300" height="300" /><img src="/images/uploaded/Images/BlogImages/4E526828-7D8C-4D24-84E7-B180B69AC918.jpeg" alt="" width="340" height="300" /></p> urn:store:1:blog:post:132 https://www.distinctivegold.com/g-shock-watches G-SHOCK WATCHES <p>Got a guy that forgets batteries? Go solar.</p> <p><img src="/images/uploaded/Images/BlogImages/71CD4E00-FB87-481D-89B7-ECE88315CB2B.png" alt="" width="300" height="300" /><br />Got a mudder?</p> <p><img src="/images/uploaded/Images/BlogImages/772C4FFF-F4DE-4A75-B7AC-A6F481387FA6.png" alt="" width="300" height="300" /></p> urn:store:1:blog:post:131 https://www.distinctivegold.com/love-multi-purpose-jewelry Love multi-Purpose Jewelry <p>It's a long necklace, it can be doubled, and it can be worn as a bracelet! And as June is pearl month, some have pearls!</p> <p><img src="/images/uploaded/Images/BlogImages/F21C13A8-F189-4829-AD95-6FC7B18B0FF7.jpeg" alt="" width="300" height="300" /><img src="/images/uploaded/Images/BlogImages/852A22EE-5822-4EB9-8CF5-516338A2193C.jpeg" alt="" width="300" height="300" /><img src="/images/uploaded/Images/BlogImages/3D488E04-0482-4F90-8160-72BDBAFD9D30.jpeg" alt="" width="300" height="300" /><img src="/images/uploaded/Images/BlogImages/FB333E61-DFB8-4729-AD38-6BA9C7E92EFA.jpeg" alt="" width="300" height="300" /></p> urn:store:1:blog:post:130 https://www.distinctivegold.com/pearl-thejune-birthstone Pearl the June birthstone <p>Pearl was the first promise or engagement ring given, long before diamonds.  June is the month of Pearl. Your birthstone if you were born in this month. Created when an irritant gets into the tissue of a mollusk or an oyster.</p> <p>Think about that the next time a pebble gets in your shoe.<br /><img src="/images/uploaded/Images/BlogImages/E1038A46-EB85-4829-9CB1-023F646F1070.png" alt="" width="300" height="300" /></p> urn:store:1:blog:post:128 https://www.distinctivegold.com/color-by-belle-e-toile Color! By Belle e Toile <p>Get your color on ladies! It's Spring and the state is almost open!</p> <p><img src="/images/uploaded/Images/BlogImages/0D13A023-005D-4C29-BDBE-DAF0660F62EA.jpeg" alt="" width="320" height="320" /><img src="/images/uploaded/Images/BlogImages/6D69D7E5-DF82-4701-850E-BEAE81C4E6D6.jpeg" alt="" width="320" height="320" /><img src="/images/uploaded/Images/BlogImages/95A1EEA4-46ED-4321-B955-DE0C3A1C53B5.jpeg" alt="" width="320" height="320" /><img src="/images/uploaded/Images/BlogImages/9D97C6B5-E3FA-4A2D-9363-E0EB371E30F4.jpeg" alt="" width="320" height="320" /><img src="/images/uploaded/Images/BlogImages/DBFBAA12-5A45-4F1E-98BC-5B56FBDA1D5B.jpeg" alt="" /></p> urn:store:1:blog:post:127 https://www.distinctivegold.com/officina-bernardi Officina Bernardi <p><img src="/images/uploaded/Images/BlogImages/EBA6B789-F479-4300-8ABF-B912BD9F7DBF.jpeg" alt="" width="320" height="215" />Coming Soon!</p> <p>What's the most reflective metal? If you said Silver you are correct!  The best Silver? Italian crafted.</p> <p><img src="/images/uploaded/Images/BlogImages/803E3ACF-DD15-4118-801F-E647B3FD9603.jpeg" alt="" width="320" height="210" /><img src="/images/uploaded/Images/BlogImages/FAA936C7-0460-45BA-9FB5-944187FF0999.jpeg" alt="" width="320" height="199" /></p> <p> </p> urn:store:1:blog:post:126 https://www.distinctivegold.com/italian-silver-2 Italian Silver <p>Coming soon!</p> <p>Wrap yourself in Italian Silver and gemstones!!  Soon to be here..</p> <p><img src="/images/uploaded/Images/493F6481-DBDE-4C5C-B35B-C4E7F991AFC7.jpeg" alt="" width="340" height="340" /><img src="/images/uploaded/Images/59B29A59-FCCA-48EB-A37F-5B42BA5CDB28.jpeg" alt="" width="340" height="340" /></p> urn:store:1:blog:post:125 https://www.distinctivegold.com/may-birthstone-emerald-3 May Birthstone - Emerald! <p>May is the month for Emerald.  If this is your birth month Emerald is your gemstone!  It is the sister stone to Aquamaring, Morganite, Goshinite and Helidor.  The blue, pink, white and yellow varities of beryl.  Emerald can only be graded as Emerald if the gemstone is of a particular saturation, otherwise it is deemed green beryl.</p> <p> </p> <p>Lore has it that it is the stone of love, loyalty and domestic bliss.  Great attributes to go along with a gorgeous gemstone!<img src="/images/uploaded/Images/BlogImages/IMG_0333.JPG" alt="" width="1125" height="1572" /></p> urn:store:1:blog:post:124 https://www.distinctivegold.com/mom-modern-chic-timeless-but-always-loved Mom modern, chic, timeless but always loved... <p><img src="/images/uploaded/Images/BlogImages/07A014EC-F061-4678-9C44-6EBA980F6500.png" alt="" width="380" height="380" /></p> urn:store:1:blog:post:123 https://www.distinctivegold.com/love-is-essential Love is Essential <p><img src="/images/uploaded/Images/silver ball bracelet.jpg" alt="" width="443" height="443" /><img src="/images/uploaded/Images/Oro bracelet.jpg" alt="" width="713" height="714" /></p> <p>Need a Mother's Day gift?</p> <p>Tuesday through Saturdays</p> <p>10 a.m. til 2 p.m.</p> <p>Curbside Pick-up</p> <p>Phone or text 815-469-2929</p> <p> </p> urn:store:1:blog:post:122 https://www.distinctivegold.com/get-to-know-your-jewelry-professionals-tony-dortenzio Get To Know Your Jewelry Professionals - Tony D'Ortenzio <div><img src="/images/uploaded/Images/loose-diamonds-in-frankfort-il.jpg" alt="loose diamonds" width="500" height="295" /></div> <div>How long DGJ has been in business?</div> <div><strong><em>Since 1974</em></strong></div> <div> ——</div> <div> </div> <div>What’s your favorite metal and why?</div> <div><strong><em>Mixed metals always capture my attention, such as “Mokume Gane”... in essence it’s wood grain metal.</em></strong></div> <div> ——-</div> <div> </div> <div>Are you a diamond or colored stone person?  </div> <div><strong><em>Diamonds, cause they are forever!</em></strong></div> <div><strong><em>——-</em></strong></div> <div> </div> <div> </div> <div>Tell me about macrame- who taught you or did you teach yourself?</div> <div><strong><em>Well there was no YouTube as a kid, but there was Boy Scouts, and we learn knot tying.</em></strong></div> <div><strong><em>I was fascinated at the patterns knots could make, so I tied “overhand knots” to “fisherman knots” till I got some interesting patterns. This eventually lead into stranding simple knots between pearls.</em></strong></div> <div> </div> <div>Can you read and write Italian? I know you can speak it.  </div> <div>Any other languages?</div> <div> </div> <div><strong><em>I can get by with speech much better than written. True or Correct Italian is challenging. The verbs, and congregating is tricky. When I’m immersed in it, it comes naturally. However I’m very fascinated with the dialects, that emerged from hill town to hill town.</em></strong></div> <div><strong><em>As far as any other languages, I’m an expert at “slurred speech” after Prosecco!</em></strong></div> <div><strong><em>——</em></strong></div> <div> </div> <div>Favorite brand of watch? Hamilton? Bcz..</div> <div><strong><em>“Eterna</em></strong><strong><em> </em></strong><strong><em>Watches”...the bronze collection, and the low productions and their collectibility!</em></strong></div> <div><strong><em>——</em></strong></div> <div> </div> <div> </div> <div>What’s your go-to-piece? Why?</div> <div><strong><em>Any watch... love time keeping!</em></strong></div> <div><strong><em>Father Time is undefeated!</em></strong></div> <div><strong><em>——</em></strong></div> <div> </div> <div>If you were to make a piece what would it be?  Is there a satisfaction in building one thing more than another?</div> <div><strong><em>I like making pendants!</em></strong></div> <div><strong><em>I get satisfaction when, I have free reign and push from the typical standards.</em></strong></div> <div><strong><em>——</em></strong></div> <div> </div> <div> </div> <div>What degree do you have?</div> <div><strong><em>Proudly a ISU redbird graduate, with a BS degree in Business Administration </em></strong><strong><em>(</em></strong><strong><em>Major</em></strong><strong><em>)</em></strong><strong><em>, and a Art Minor, (concentration in jewelry) I am forever grateful to my Jewelry instructor at the time, Mr. Niemi.</em></strong></div> <div><strong><em>Just as a side note: the GPA went up quite considerably after I Graduated lol!</em></strong></div> <div><strong><em>——</em></strong></div> <div> </div> <div>What’s your passion? Gemstones, charity, travel, fly fishing</div> <div><strong><em>Biking... especially after a </em></strong><strong><em>I</em></strong><strong><em> pave my handle bars in D flawless diamonds.</em></strong></div> <div><strong><em>——</em></strong></div> <div> </div> <div>Some people read to relax, some binge watch Sci-fi. What’s your down time thing?</div> <div><strong><em>“Wordscapes” puzzles.</em></strong></div> <div><strong><em>——</em></strong></div> <div> </div> <div>Is there a jewelry skill you have taught the next gen?</div> <div><strong><em>I am always happy to share solutions to a fellow goldsmith sitting next to me on the jewelers bench.</em></strong></div> <div><strong><em>However, We’re loosing our next Generation of potential jewelers...passion and commitment of time that is needed, is waning. Jimmy Hendrix did not become a master by playing a lot of golf.</em></strong></div> <div> —-</div> <div> </div> <div>What’s the coolest design piece you have EVER worked on?  What’s the latest one that stands out?</div> <div> </div> <div><strong><em>We have a wonderful customer that allows us free reign on all her custom made pieces. She is creative and allows creativity. Any one of her pieces make me smile.</em></strong></div> <div><strong><em>The latest piece that is in the works is our “revisit” of a limited piece I made 20 years ago, for the year 2000. We are updating it and only making twenty. It will be simple, </em></strong><strong><em>n</em></strong><strong><em>umbered, symbolic of 2020, and a bit progressive in our world of new technology!</em></strong></div> <div><strong><em>Stay tuned!</em></strong></div> <div> </div> <div> </div> <p> </p> urn:store:1:blog:post:121 https://www.distinctivegold.com/belle-étoile-every-woman-shines Belle Étoile - Every Woman Shines <p><img style="width: 350px; float: left; margin: 10px;" src="/images/uploaded/BelleEtoileJewelry04.jpg" alt="" /></p> <div class="vbHeader dnnClear">Founded by a family of women, Belle Étoile aspires to have every woman shine like the beautiful star she is. Winner of 33 JCK Jewelers’ Choice Awards and voted a top brand in Instore’s Big Survey multiple years in a row, Belle Étoile offers exceptional quality, innovative design, incredible marketing programs, and exemplary customer service to delight customers worldwide. Featuring fine sterling silver, the Belle Étoile Collection showcases unique materials from hand-painted Italian enamels to hand-sculpted Italian resin. From whimsically colorful to elegantly classic to luxuriously bold, Belle Étoile’s designs accentuate every woman’s style. Shine like the star you are.<br /><br /><img style="width: 350px; float: right; margin: 10px;" src="/images/uploaded/BelleEtoileJewelry05.jpg" alt="" />Utilizing a state-of-the-art facility with close to 2000 artists, designers, and manufacturing specialists, Belle Étoile creates a marriage of fine jewelry and the latest fashion trends with rich, bold, and fun jewelry. Our skilled artisans adhere to the philosophy of using the highest-quality materials, including rhodium-plated sterling silver, hand-painted Italian enamels, Italian rubber and Italian resin, with meticulous attention to detail to create truly radiant works of art. Whether you are a fashion maven, an artistic ingénue, or a power executive, Belle Étoile gives the look and feel of the Star you are.</div> <div style="width: 100%; height: 1px; clear: both;"> </div> urn:store:1:blog:post:120 https://www.distinctivegold.com/belle-étoile-jewelry-the-beautiful-star Belle Étoile Jewelry - The Beautiful Star <p><img style="width: 350px; float: left; margin: 10px;" src="/images/uploaded/BelleEtoileJewelry01.jpg" alt="" /></p> <p>Belle Étoile, pronounced “bell eh-twahl,” is a French and Italian designed jewelry company, and in French, Belle Étoile means "beautiful star.” We strive to capture the natural grace and sensuality of the modern woman by skillfully crafting each piece with the most delicate materials such as nickel allergy-free rhodium-plated sterling silver, hand-painted Italian enamels, Italian rubber, Italian resin, and seashell pearls to express femininity, individuality, and above all, beauty.</p> <p><img style="width: 350px; float: right; margin: 10px;" src="/images/uploaded/BelleEtoileJewelry02.jpg" alt="" /></p> <p>We take inspiration from European trends and play with color to create rich and fun pieces. Our Belle Étoile designers play with bold designs and vivid colors while maintaining comfort and high-quality workmanship in each piece. For the design and quality of our jewelry, each piece is presented at an excellent value using high quality materials such as nickel allergy-free rhodium-plated sterling silver, hand-painted Italian enamels, Italian rubber, Italian resin, and seashell pearls. We believe that every woman deserves a beautiful, fun, and expertly-crafted piece of jewelry. Our essential goal is to enable every woman to shine like the star she is.</p> <p><img style="width: 350px; float: left; margin: 10px;" src="/images/uploaded/BelleEtoileJewelry03.jpg" alt="" /></p> <div style="width: 100%; height: 1px; clear: both;"> </div> urn:store:1:blog:post:119 https://www.distinctivegold.com/forever-gifts Forever Gifts <p>You have me wrapped around your wrist!! </p> <p>Giving her a Valentine’s Day gift that she will wear forever?  I’ll give you some suggestions in my next few blogs. </p> <p>Round or square, round or square….. oh the choices!</p> <p><img src="/images/uploaded/Images/BlogImages/2_bracelets.JPG" alt="" width="368" height="683" /></p> <p>  </p> <p>Delicate enough to stack with others or large enough to stand out alone?</p> <p><img src="/images/uploaded/Images/BlogImages/rose_gold_dia_brac.JPG" alt="" width="383" height="511" /></p> <p>Oh, then there’s a few of us at DGJ’s favorite… I’m never taking it off, I get Mom’s bracelet not you, I’m the oldest, no there is no rock, paper, scissors…</p> <p> </p> <p><img src="/images/uploaded/Images/BlogImages/IMG_1245_resized.jpg" alt="" width="350" height="208" /></p> urn:store:1:blog:post:118 https://www.distinctivegold.com/pantone-color-of-2020 Pantone Color of 2020! <p>PANTONE 15-4052 classic blue </p> <p>To quote Pantone, “ instilling calm, confidence, and connection.  This enduring blue hue highlights our desire for a dependable and stable foundation on which to build as we cross the threshold into a new era.”</p> <p><a href="https://www.distinctivegold.com/blog?post=2791">www.pantone.com</a>. To see more about color of the year and actual color!</p> urn:store:1:blog:post:117 https://www.distinctivegold.com/italian-silver ITALIAN SILVER <p>Italian Silver</p> <p>Most of us know that Italian craftsmanship is bar none the best!</p> <p>Whether you choose gold or silver you have the confidence that it will be great.  The style will be timeless and chic. Start your year with some stunning Italian silver!</p> <p>Take a look at these designs in silver from #Officina_Bernardi.</p> <p>More pictures on Distinctive Gold Facebook and Instagram.</p> <p><img src="/images/uploaded/photo jan 08, 7 59 03 am.jpg" alt="" width="389" height="466" /></p> <p><img src="/images/uploaded/photo jan 08, 8 16 42 am.jpg" alt="" width="385" height="383" /></p> urn:store:1:blog:post:116 https://www.distinctivegold.com/time-2020-happy-new-year TIME!! 2020! HAPPY NEW YEAR! <p>It’s a new year, a new time for us all!  Start with a new timepiece…</p> <p> For those of you who love a timepiece that is also a statement piece, RADO is a great choice!  Swiss made mechanism, accuracy, water resistant to 30 meters, some are mechanical, meaning as you move your arm it winds the watch.</p> <p>For women, there can be the option of diamonds around the bezel, diamond hour markers, ceramic (really durable!).  They have rose colored stainless steel accompanied with stainless steel</p> <p>All the RADO watches are extraordinary timepieces!  A Luxury accessory that includes time!</p> <p> </p> <p><img src="/images/uploaded/IMG_2443_thumb.jpg" alt="" width="334" height="445" /><img src="/images/uploaded/IMG_2444_thumb.jpg" alt="" width="329" height="439" /></p> <p><img src="/images/uploaded/IMG_2445_thumb.jpg" alt="" width="340" height="454" /></p> urn:store:1:blog:post:115 https://www.distinctivegold.com/santa-baby Santa Baby.... <p><span style="color: #ff0000;"><strong>Santa Baby</strong></span></p> <p><span style="color: #ff0000;"><strong>Put this under the tree for…..fill in your name!!</strong></span></p> <p><img src="/Images/uploaded/FloralshapeR9557W.png" alt="" width="366" height="366" /></p> urn:store:1:blog:post:114 https://www.distinctivegold.com/love-the-sparkle-aka-brilliance Love the Sparkle? AKA Brilliance <p>Love the sparkle? A.K.A. brilliance </p> <p>If one diamond has 58 facets and if it has all the great features of proportion, polish and symmetry it is truly a thing of beauty.  Having more facets on one diamond doesn’t mean that it will have more “brightness”.  But, take a perfectly proportioned diamond times 3-4-5, can you imagine the brilliance? </p> <p><img src="/Images/uploaded/anniversaryring.jpg" alt="" /></p> <p>Historically diamonds got their start in India, where diamonds were gathered alluvially (water borne), that’s where the world got their love of this gemstone.  But, they go back even to Pliny’s time, the first century A.D.  To paraphrase him, they are most valuable, not only of precious stones, but of all things in this world.   Things haven’t changed much have they? </p> <p>A diamond is 58x harder than any other gemstone on earth.  Whether it is earth grown or lab grown!</p> <p>A diamond is a great way to demonstrate how strong your love will be, enduring, lasting and brilliant!! </p> <p>Whether choosing a band for an anniversary or for a wedding band, it is a beautiful and durable choice.  Some women don’t want a gemstone set up high but they love the brilliance of diamonds.  Get her a multi-stone diamond band.  I have some wonderful examples for you to choose from.</p> <p><img src="/Images/uploaded/small3row.jpg" alt="" /></p> urn:store:1:blog:post:113 https://www.distinctivegold.com/hamilton-watches-4 HAMILTON WATCHES <p><br /><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Hamilton Watches quality, precision, style and durability</span></strong></p> <p>The SSIH (the former name of Swatch Group), the world’s largest watch manufacturer, acquired Hamilton on May 16, 1974</p> <p><br />Since 2003 Hamilton watches are fully Swiss Made making the Hamilton brand vertically integrated within the<br />SWATCH Company<br />Hamilton only uses movements of the Swiss manufacturer <strong>ETA SA Manufacture Horlogère Suisse</strong></p> <p><img src="/images/uploaded/Hamilton insides.png" alt="" width="422" height="313" /><br />ETA is a manufacturing company of the Swatch Group</p> <p>It has been developing and producing calibres for the watch industry since 1793.</p> <p>It uses unique expertise as a foundation for the ongoing development of new industrialisation technologies to create “Swiss Made” movements.</p> <p>Precision, reliability and level of performance are the key features of ETA movements.</p> <p><strong>SWISS PRECISION</strong></p> <p>80% Mechanical 20% Quartz 15 Exclusive Hamilton Caibres</p> <p><strong>Day Date Movements</strong></p> <p>Power reserve increased up to 80 hours</p> <p>Better accuracy</p> <p><strong>Worldtimer</strong></p> <p>Electronic caibre with the capacity to switch between Worldtimer functionality, embracing 24 time zones and automatic adjustment of summer-winter time</p> <p>Pilot oriented chronograph mode</p> <p>Coordinated Universal Time (UTC)</p> <p><strong>Chronometer grade</strong></p> <p>Must meet strict standards prescribed by the COSC. Each movement is tested for 360 hours, in five positions and across with different temperature ranges and in eight different tests<br /><strong>Skeleton Movements</strong></p> <p>Skeletonized caliber with 80 hour power reserve<br />Luxury decoration: luminous snail and pearled finishes, Cotes de Genève detail <br /><strong>Regulator Movement</strong></p> <p>Several different hand positions are possible</p> <p>Hamilton currently has 3 different versions</p> <p><strong>Small Second Movement</strong></p> <p>Off center positioning of the small second counter at 8 o'clock/rotor largely skeletonized</p> urn:store:1:blog:post:112 https://www.distinctivegold.com/holiday-engagement Holiday Engagement? <p>Looking for a holiday engagement?</p> <p>Christmas Eve is one of the most popular days to get engaged. So, if you are thinking that you’d like to mark your occasion on that day, you better start now.</p> <p>There’s a lot to consider: size, shape, color, solitaire, halo, wide band or narrow band or matching bands and just the stand alone engagement ring. There is also the European shank choice, the gallery design, yes ladies, when you look down at your ring from the angle let’s say as if you’re typing, you can have design, diamonds, colored stones. It’s the little things that make a ring, ooo! That ring!</p> <p>Also, you now have the choice of purchasing a lab grown diamond (wow! Clarity and Color is A-mazing) saving you money that you may put towards that halo or side stones! You may be a purist and opt to get a from the earth diamond. The thought that it grew millions of years to get to you may be something you want. Personally, I’d go for color (lab grown).</p> <p>Color in a diamond really means lack of color. A .25ct diamond with great color can be seen across the room. If you go with the ‘what-every-woman-wants’ milestone of 1ct can you imagine the brilliance (reflection of white light) you will get across the room? Most of us love it when somebody says “I love your ring” or “let me see your ring”.</p> <p><img src="/images/uploaded/Photo Oct 16, 10 59 11 AM.jpg" alt="" width="336" height="336" /></p> <p><img src="/images/uploaded/Photo Oct 16, 11 09 24 AM.jpg" alt="" width="336" height="336" /></p> <p> </p> <p><img src="/images/uploaded/Photo Oct 16, 11 10 07 AM.jpg" alt="" width="336" height="336" /></p> <p><img src="/images/uploaded/Photo Oct 16, 11 10 14 AM.jpg" alt="" width="336" height="336" /></p> <p><img src="/images/uploaded/Photo Oct 16, 11 16 08 AM.jpg" alt="" width="336" height="336" /></p> <p><img src="/images/uploaded/Photo Oct 16, 11 16 20 AM.jpg" alt="" width="336" height="336" /></p> urn:store:1:blog:post:111 https://www.distinctivegold.com/lions-and-tigers-and-bears-oh-my Lions and Tigers and Bears OH MY! <p>Lions and Tigers and Bears Oh MY!</p> <p>If Halloween is your favorite holiday, you can get your Chamilia bracelet kicked off with the 70% off in stock items, that’s going on right now!</p> <p>Chamilia beads are the best gift!  Once you’ve got the bracelet, any time you have a holiday or someone wants to give you a gift, it’s only a matter of picking out A bead!!  Trust me, I own multiples and so do my daughter, BFF, and both granddaughters.  I love the great sentiments that you can give with just a bead!  BFFs forever, she gets one half you get the other; Halloween witches, pumpkins, and spiders, birthday cakes, Christmas stockings and Santas.  I still see beads and say I NEED that!</p> <p>The best purchase is one like the picture I’ve included.  It’s a multiple bead deal! </p> <p><img src="/Images/uploaded/IMG_0984.JPG" alt="" /> </p> <p>Happy All Souls to y’all!</p> urn:store:1:blog:post:109 https://www.distinctivegold.com/discovery DISCOVERY! <p>Discovery</p> <p>Gemological Institute of America is THE source for grading and appraising gemstones.  It is an institute of learning as well.  They have information available to everyone who wishes to learn a little more about colored gemstones, birthstones, diamonds; what and why the 3 C’s are important.</p> <p>If you are curious about what birthstones are and mean, follow this link to G.I.A. and it may open up a new realm of experience to you.</p> <p><a href="https://www.gia.edu/search?q=birthstones+">https://www.gia.edu/search?q=birthstones+</a></p> <p>If you want even more knowledge, go to the main page: <a href="http://www.gia.edu/">www.gia.edu</a>; when the page opens, on the top menu there is a GemKids® icon.  You don’t have to be a kid to learn all about gemstones.  There is an icon for Gem Encyclopedia as well.  This institution is where I have done my training.  Graduate Pearl Certification and Accredited Jewelry Professional; working on a Colored Stone Certification, on my way to Graduate Gemologist.  If you love science and want your children or grandchildren to use those iPhones for some education, try this site.  You’ll be amazed what you learn about those pretty stones!</p> <p>A note of information, not all jewelers have had gemology training.  Tony is a Master Goldsmith and Joe is a Graduate Gemologist.  They have the training and knowledge of gemology and metals!  </p> <p>Oh and by the way, the main page is the Rainbow World of Opal (this month’s birthstone) the gemstone that has all the colors of the rainbow in it.</p> urn:store:1:blog:post:108 https://www.distinctivegold.com/sportsmen Sportsmen! <p>Sportsmen!</p> <p> G –SHOCK watches has just the sport watch for you guys that love the outdoors; water sports, motocross, aviation, divers, soccer, football, hunting (season began October 1st!) but don’t mind the cold, wet, and mud!   The G-SHOCK brings a new GA 1100-1A1 to the MASTER OF G Series GRAVITYMASTER.  Uniform G-SHOCK black coloring is offset by the red, blue, and yellow accents of various components.  A world time dial that uses minimal coloring promotes readability.  The bi-color molded band has a black outer surface and gray inner surface, which also creates a contrasting accent. </p> <p>Features (in watches it’s called a fancy term of complications):</p> <p>•         Accuracy ±15 seconds per month</p> <p>•         Battery required is SR927W X2  lifecycle of 2 years</p> <p>•         200M Water Resistant  </p> <p>•         Shock resistant</p> <p>•         Digital compass  measures and displays direction as 1 of 16 measuring range 0 to 359 degrees measuring unit: 1 degree 60 seconds, continuous measurement hand indication             of North</p> <p>•         Bidirectional calibration</p> <p>•         Magnetic declination correction</p> <p>•         Bearing memory</p> <p>•         Thermometer Display -10° to 60° C or 14° to 140° F</p> <p>•         LED Backlight (super illuminator) with afterglow</p> <p>•         Auto light switch, selectable illumination duration 1.5 or 3 seconds</p> <p>•         Hand shift feature (hands move out of the way to provide an unobstructed view of digital display)</p> <p>•         World Time 31 time zones (48 cities + UTC) city code display, daylight saving on/off</p> <p>•         5 daily alarms</p> <p>•         Hourly Time Signal</p> <p>•         1/100 second stopwatch</p> <p>•         Countdown timer</p> <p>•         Full Auto-Calendar (pre-programmed until the year 2099) 12/24 hour formats</p> <p>•         Button operation tone on/off</p> <p>So, ladies even if you man doesn’t “do” sports, get him the watch that gives him the ‘bearing memory’ he’ll at least know which direction he should have been going. (might help in the car)  The fact that it’s a cool looking watch is the added bonus. If you are looking for more information stop in and we can provide it or you can go to gshock.com.</p> <p><img src="/Images/uploaded/GShock.jpg" alt="" width="393" height="513" /></p> urn:store:1:blog:post:107 https://www.distinctivegold.com/richness-of-color Richness of Color <p>Richness of Colors </p> <p>Bear with me here; I’m going geeky for a few paragraphs.</p> <p>Most of us know what primary colors are.  Before the discovery of the printing colors used in your printers CMYK[K stands for Key], mainly as far back as the Goethe period, the best primary colors were thought to be Red, Yellow, and Blue (RYB).  Most of us were taught in school, THESE are the primary colors.  Mixing in equal parts produces Orange, Green and Purple. </p> <p>Yellow +Red=orange</p> <p>Red +Blue=purple</p> <p>Blue +Yellow=green </p> <p>For the human eye, the colors of red, green, and blue are the good primary colors. This color wheel, Red, Green, and Blue (RGB) has replaced the RYB color wheel due to the scientific discovery that it allows brighter and more saturated colors, using the primary and secondary colors and makes a larger subset of colors.</p> <p> From these, other colors can be created, they are secondary colors. </p> <p>Green + Red =yellow</p> <p>Red + Blue=Magenta (purplish red/reddish purple)</p> <p>Blue + Green=Cyan (light greenish blue) </p> <p>We’ve all picked out paint colors right?  The cool part here is if you added all RGB colors (in equal parts) together the result is white!  Who would have thought!</p> <p>The Big Three colored gemstones of the world are RGB, Ruby, Emerald, and Sapphire.  A lot of folks are drawn to these colors of gemstones, more so than the pastels.  My daughter is a primary gemstone person.  It is the richness of the colors that draws your eye and soul.  Most of us are drawn to a particular primary color, Red of passion, Green of grass, Blue of the ocean.  98% of the world would choose blue as their favorite color. </p> <p>So, what’s your richness color?  Red?  Green?  Blue?  Think of your Christmas tree ornament colors…that’s your passion color. </p> <p> <img src="/Images/uploaded/saphhirering.JPEG" alt="" width="391" height="521" /></p> urn:store:1:blog:post:106 https://www.distinctivegold.com/new-chat-feature New Chat feature <p>Have Questions? You can text us.</p> <p>We now have a chat box for you to drop us a line to ask questions. We want to hear from you.</p> <p>Our interactive chat is a wonderful way to ask questions about our jewelry, services or your jewelry. Sometimes you want to inquire about a service that we can perform. Maybe inquire about a particular product that we can acquire for you or perhaps we have in stock.</p> <p><img src="/images/uploaded/IMG_1477.jpeg" alt="" width="370" height="802" /></p> urn:store:1:blog:post:105 https://www.distinctivegold.com/chain-strength CHAIN STRENGTH <p> </p> <p>Chain strength</p> <p>Chains are essential for our pendants, but they can also be worn layered together as their own design element.</p> <p>Standard lengths are 16”, 18”, 20” and 24”. You can purchase 30” and also have others shortened to a custom length to sit at the chic, collarbone length.</p> <p>There are many, many, styles of chain designs. The most important thing to look for when making that purchase, no matter what the design, is strength. How many of you have pulled a sweater over your head and caught your chain and snapped it? Yes, yes, I see you nodding, me too.</p> <p>First off, I know a lot of you love sterling silver, nice choice, the most reflective metal in the world. But, you don’t get the malleability of gold. For example I’m attaching a picture of my custom ring made by Distinctive Gold. See the gap between the two sides? I have caught this ring and stretched (yes stretched) it to more than 1” apart. That is the super ability of gold! Never broke the sizing point in the back of the ring.</p> <p>There are different weights of chains, as well as, chain designs. I like a little more hefty chain if I’m going to trust my diamond pendant to that chain. Tony told me that the best chains (silver, gold) have the puddle ability. Holding the chain up in one hand pool it into the other, it should be a smooth process, no kinks. Then, roll the whole chain in your hand trying to get it to knot. If it doesn’t, that is a good pendant chain, even if it is a lighter weight. Don’t forget that a chain that has a bit of diamond cutting adds sparkle to the whole look with your pendant.</p> <p>I’m a firm believer of look at the clasp, as well as, the puddle affect of the chain. You want something that will stand up to that baby pulling on it. Truth be told, most chains never break at the clasp, they break along the chain somewhere. Also, may I suggest that you look at the type and size of the clasp? Ladies with long fingernails have a harder time opening a round, small clasp and the same goes for anyone having flexibility issue with their fingers. You can ask to have the clasp changed out on your existing chains or on the one you want to purchase. I like a little bigger (not huge) lobster claw. They even make a swivel lobster claw clasp. Great on bracelets ladies, it rolls and doesn’t twist and break!</p> <p>Another option, is have Distinctive Gold order a magnetic adapter for your chain if you don’t want to deal with the clasp issue. They make great strong earth magnet adapters that you can trust with your important pieces and they can be obtained in 14kt gold.</p> <p>I’m including a few shots of different chain types and the puddle affect.</p> <p><img style="undefined" src="/images/uploaded/startofpuddle.jpg" alt="" width="330" height="440" /><img style="undefined" src="/images/uploaded/puddle affect.jpg" alt="" width="335" height="447" /></p> <p><img style="undefined" src="/images/uploaded/customring.jpg" alt="" width="303" height="252" /><img src="/images/uploaded/ylwgoldmany.jpg" alt="" width="324" height="243" /></p> <p><img src="/images/uploaded/whitegldmany2.jpg" alt="" width="302" height="284" /><img src="/images/uploaded/2ndylwchain.jpg" alt="" width="278" height="371" /></p> <p><img src="/images/uploaded/whtandylwchn.jpg" alt="" width="361" height="271" /></p> <p> </p> urn:store:1:blog:post:104 https://www.distinctivegold.com/facet-barcelona Facet Barcelona <p>The Best Diamond Earring Design                            </p> <p>Leave it to the Europeans to design what I think is one of the best diamond earring designs!  The Europeans are always a year ahead of the U.S. in all design.</p> <p>Meet Facet Barcelona, Contour Line - .60ct of hand-set diamonds in 14KT gold, in THE coolest post back earring you will ever see!  It wraps around the bottom of your earlobe!!  So, be up to date with the latest design and not re-pierce your ears!  LOVE IT!  These will be your everyday earrings.</p> <p>They are available in white or rose gold via special order.</p> <p>They are on my immediate list of must have items!</p> <p><img src="/images/uploaded/Facet%20Barcelona%20compressed.JPG" alt="" /></p> urn:store:1:blog:post:103 https://www.distinctivegold.com/watch-this Watch this! <p>Watch this!</p> <p>Watches used to be an essential jewelry item for everyone.  Now days, you need to carry a cell phone.  But, a lot of companies don’t want employees on their cell phones or the job scenario wouldn’t be safe for you to use a cell phone.</p> <p>Watches still have a great use, you can see it if your keyboarding, holding a piece of lumber to measure, and it’s silent (unless you set an alarm)!!</p> <p>All that being said, watches can be beautiful pieces of jewelry too.  Some watches today can connect to the Internet count your steps, etc.  The extras that watches can perform are called complications, a fancy phrase for extra functions that a watch can deliver.  A good watch can deliver date, hour, minutes, seconds, time in another time zone, alarms, stop watch function, glow in the dark, and be water proof to several atmospheres.  Just the waterproof feature alone beats a cell phone!  Some watches now run on solar energy (I have one, it’s a Seiko)..some run on the movement of your arm as you walk or swing your arm, it winds the movement, that’s called a mechanical watch, no batteries needed!  Accurate watches are something a lot of people want and need in their lives.    My new one isn’t a year old yet, so time will tell (no pun intended).  Here’s a good tip, if a watch is designated “chronometer” then It will only loose + or – 6 seconds per day. Great feature to look for!</p> <p>Swiss movements (the internal mechanism) are one of the best.  You don’t have to pay crazy 5 digit prices to get a watch that will last you a lifetime, be gorgeous, and be able to pass it down to someone else. </p> <p>Tony said they like to deal with companies that have their own in house movements.  This means the watch company really know the watches they sell and can send replacement parts.  They are the ones sought after by collectors.   It’s like understanding who makes your car, is it a Cadillac body, but actually the engine was manufactured in a Chevy plant somewhere?</p> <p>Men in particular, like the prestige of owning a stylish, complicated, time piece.  Ask my son, he has 2 boxes full.  He loves watches. The boxes are works of art in their own right, burl wood maple and mahogany. </p> <p>If you ever wondered, what would a jeweler wear as a watch? They have so many choices.  Here’s the one:</p> <p><img src="/images/uploaded/Eterna%20brown%20strap.jpg" alt="" width="388" height="517" /></p> urn:store:1:blog:post:102 https://www.distinctivegold.com/pink-pink-pink PINK, Pink, pink <p><span style="color: #ff99cc;">Pink</span></p> <p><span style="color: #ff99cc;">Some gemstones are given a lot of press; pictures, used for causes, etc.  Pink, especially pink sapphire is one of those gemstones.  But, there is a lot to be said for this pink gemstone.  From the earth or lab grown, quite a few girls gravitate to this pink gemstone.  I have done a blog that includes pink Tourmaline, but not one on pink Sapphire, which technically, is called Fancy Sapphire.  Any color other than blue is called Fancy Sapphire.  Blue is the only Sapphire that can be called just by its Species: Sapphire.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #ff99cc;">I found in my travels through the store, an ensemble of pink, lab grown Sapphire.  It really caught my eye.  Possibly because of the size of the gemstones, but the sparkle of the set is beautiful!  Now, I know a lot of you are fans of pink, bright pink (Sapphire), bubble gum pink (Topaz), purple pink  (Kunzite), peachy pink  (Morganite); me, I lean more toward the peachy pink and bright pink hues.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #ff99cc;">This ensemble falls into the bright pink category and was just screaming take my picture.  So, I did!  I think you’ll like this set.</span></p> <p><img src="/images/uploaded/pink%20sap%20.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="544" /></p> urn:store:1:blog:post:100 https://www.distinctivegold.com/signature-piece Signature Piece <p>Signature Piece</p> <p>Most of us wear some signature piece of jewelry, maybe in commemoration of an event or a person.  Some wear rings, your Mom’s, your Grandmother’s, a gift that was from your love.  Others wear pendants, gifts from a love to celebrate an anniversary or a birthday. </p> <p>Maybe you haven’t chosen your signature piece yet.  First, you might want to decide, should it be a necklace, possibly a ring, maybe a pair of earrings.  Then, you should decide, do I want to have a colored gemstone or a diamond as my piece?  </p> <p>Here’s an example of a beautiful signature piece that you can wear around your neck.  It is durable and can be worn everyday and passed on to a future generation.  Diamonds are billions of years old!</p> <p><img src="/images/uploaded/cropped%20dia%20pend.jpg" alt="" /></p> urn:store:1:blog:post:101 https://www.distinctivegold.com/august-green August Green <p>Yellow-Green of August</p> <p>The color green is one of the most popular colors. It goes with everything, think leaves of flowers, no matter what color the flower is, it has green leaves! I should mention here, it is my youngest grandson’s favorite color and my oldest grandson’s birthstone color. Peridot is the birthstone of August.</p> <p>Peridot has a special green color; it is a yellow green hue. Legend has it, that this stone was Cleopatra’s “emerald”. It glows (fluoresces) in low light. Peridot is found deep in the earth’s mantle, it is pushed up to the surface by volcanoes, it is also found in meteorites, the gemstone of stardust. Peridot was believed to protect from terrors of the night; it was worn to ward off evil spirits. In Arabic, the word gem is faridat, which the word Peridot originates from.</p> <p>I met a woman who wore a Peridot ring and told me the story that her husband proposed to her on the green sand beach on the Big Island of Hawaii and she wears it as a memory piece of that day.</p> <p>Peridot with great faceting and color is a remarkable gemstone. It should never be a muddy color and if you see Peridot in some chain stores in the mall, it appears dull.</p> <p>You can wear any color green with other colors. It is one of the complimentary colors. You won’t see this gemstone everywhere, so if you are looking for something unique, think Peridot. As you can see below I couldn't pick just one!</p> <p><img style="undefined" src="/images/uploaded/peridot gold close up.jpg" alt="" width="336" height="448" /><img src="/images/uploaded/peridot set.jpg" alt="" width="311" height="362" /></p> <p><img src="/images/uploaded/peridot set earrings.jpg" alt="" width="330" height="440" /><img src="/images/uploaded/peridot set ring.jpg" alt="" width="330" height="440" /></p> <p><img src="/images/uploaded/round peridot pendant.jpg" alt="" width="326" height="265" /><img src="/images/uploaded/square peridot pend.jpg" alt="" width="322" height="248" /></p> <p><img src="/images/uploaded/square peridot.jpg" alt="" width="328" height="199" /></p> urn:store:1:blog:post:99 https://www.distinctivegold.com/ruby RUBY <p>RUBY</p> <p>GIA books make reference to the discovery of rubies about 3000 B.C.! The Old Testament describes the “ruby” in a high priest’s breastplate. It is referred to as the king of precious stones.</p> <p>Lore has it that ruby cured blood disorders or healed wounds; most likely due to the rich, blood red color. According to thirteenth century medical literature, they were also believed to cure digestive disorders. Burmese warriors inserted them under their skin for protection in battle!</p> <p>Burmese rubies are the standard by which all other rubies are judged. If you have never seen a Burmese ruby (Burma is now called the Union of Myanmar) it is a stunning gemstone to behold. Please, go Google ruby on the GIA website. They call the finest Burmese color, pigeon blood red.</p> <p>For those of you with a July birthday, it is your birthstone. Fine Ruby, whether it is Burmese, Sri Lanka, Thailand, is beautiful. Come in and see some of the beautiful rings and pendants that are available.</p> <p><img src="/images/uploaded/Princess Cut Ruby and diamond ring.jpg" alt="" width="246" height="200" /><img src="/images/uploaded/ruby pendant with blck ncklc.jpg" alt="" width="236" height="250" /></p> urn:store:1:blog:post:98 https://www.distinctivegold.com/belle-étoile BELLE éTOILE <p><strong>BELLE éTOILE</strong></p> <p>This gorgeous line of mother of pearl just screams for a second post with more pictures!</p> <p>When I take the pictures I actually get to touch and feel the jewelry.  I can tell you that some of these pieces are on my wish list (<em>wink).  </em>They are modern and chic for those of you who don't want mother of pearl.  The material is rubber, yes, I said rubber.  It is not stretchy, but comfortable against your skin.  Let’s show you some of the jewelry I was playing with the other day:</p> <p><img src="/images/uploaded/BE%20brwn%20bracelet%20and%20earrings.jpg" alt="" /><img src="/images/uploaded/BE%20brwn%20ring.jpg" alt="" /><img src="/images/uploaded/BE%20Knot%20earrings2.jpg" alt="" /><img src="/images/uploaded/BE%20Knot%20pdt2.jpg" alt="" /><img src="/images/uploaded/BE%20Knot%20rng2.jpg" alt="" /><img src="/images/uploaded/BE%20Knot%20brclt2.jpg" alt="" /></p> <p> </p> <p>This set is ready for a par-tay at the beach or Carnaval!</p> <p><img src="/images/uploaded/BE%20Carnaval%20pendant.jpg" alt="" /><img src="/images/uploaded/BE%20Carnaval%20set.jpg" alt="" /></p> <p>Now there is another mother of pearl, the next one I'm going to show you is Black mother of pearl.  The first Blog showed white mop with enameling this is all mother of pearl with man made stones:</p> <p><img src="/images/uploaded/BE%20blck%20mop%20earrings%20and%20bracelet.jpg" alt="" /><img src="/images/uploaded/Close%20up%20of%20blck%20mop%20bracelet.jpg" alt="" /></p> <p> </p> urn:store:1:blog:post:97 https://www.distinctivegold.com/mother-of-pearl-belle-étoile Mother-of-pearl BELLE éTOILE <p>Mother-of-Pearl</p> <p>Often overlooked, the shell lining of an oyster or mollusk is called mother-of-pearl. It is the same luster and iridescence that the pearl it creates. How can you ignore something so lovely?</p> <p>Let me introduce the BELLE éTOILE line. It has hand-painted, Italian enameling, as well as the luster of the beautiful mother-of-pearl. The Montage Collection has black Italian enameling with rhodium-plating over 925 Sterling Silver, making it virtually allergy-free.</p> <p>If whole pearl jewelry is not your thing, you might want to try mother-of-pearl. It can show as more modern, even a bit edgey. It also might change your mind about a whole pearl in jewelry.</p> <p>Take a look at some I have attached:</p> <p><img style="undefined" src="/images/uploaded/BE Blck and white mop pendant.jpg" alt="" width="240" height="320" /><img src="/images/uploaded/BE Blck and wht mop earrings_thumb.jpg" alt="" width="240" height="320" /></p> <p><img src="/images/uploaded/BE blck and white ring_thumb.jpg" alt="" width="240" height="320" /><img src="/images/uploaded/BE blck and white mop bracelet.jpg" alt="" width="240" height="320" /></p> urn:store:1:blog:post:95 https://www.distinctivegold.com/june JUNE <p>JUNE</p> <p>The month of weddings, birthdays, engagements, anniversaries or graduations! For those of you looking for gifts for bridesmaids or brides, a lovely traditional piece of jewelry is pearl…now it doesn’t have to be your mother’s style of pearls, it can be a pearl on a gold omega necklace for the bride and a solitary pendant of pearl for your bridesmaids. It will be a memorable keepsake.</p> <p>If you have a female in your family that is celebrating that sweet sixteen birthday, a gift of pearls is an awesome gift. She will have many occasions to wear them. You might give her a solitary pendant on a leather cord or a wire necklace, she will always remember her sixteenth birthday and YOU. Let’s not forget the guys either, if you have a guy that loves leather or cord bracelets, a solitary, dark pearl on a bracelet is a very masculine piece of jewelry for him.</p> <p>Pearls were the first original engagement rings. Pick a pearl and put diamonds on either side of it for an engagement ring. Oh, and did you know pearls come in colors!! They can be Freshwater, Akoya (salt water), South Sea, or Tahitians. Sizes range from tiny in Freshwater and Akoya, to grandé in the South Sea and Tahitian (18mm).</p> <p>A graduation gift of pearls is a great gift for that burgeoning CEO. Wearing them on the interview makes an impression.</p> <p>Pearls can be dressed up or BOHO chic. You can throw on a string of pearls with a blouse and a pair of jeans and be classically casual. They warm to your skin and cultured pearls have a certain weight about them. True pearl, when rubbed against a tooth, is gritty. That’s a real pearl!</p> urn:store:1:blog:post:96 https://www.distinctivegold.com/hoops HOOPS <p> </p> <p>HOOPS</p> <p>Not the sort you jump through, the kind you wear a lifetime, a staple in every woman’s jewelry wardrobe. They are your go-to earring, the grab quick and look really good casual or dressy. Maybe start with a solid 14kt gold hoop and work your way up to that aspirational pair of diamond hoops.</p> <p>Let me tempt you a bit:</p> <p><img src="/images/uploaded/hingedhoopearrings(1).jpg" alt="" width="165" height="165" /><img src="/images/uploaded/tube style 4mm hoop earrings.jpg" alt="" width="165" height="165" /></p> <p><img src="/images/uploaded/two tone hinged earrings2.jpg" alt="" width="132" height="132" /></p> <p><img src="/images/uploaded/prong set inside outside diamond hoops.jpg" alt="" width="200" height="200" /><img src="/images/uploaded/Inside outside diamond hoops.jpg" alt="" width="200" height="200" /></p> <p><img src="/images/uploaded/Bezel set diamond hoops.jpg" alt="" width="200" height="200" /></p> urn:store:1:blog:post:94 https://www.distinctivegold.com/what-time-is-it-fathers-day-g-shock-time What Time Is It? (Father's Day!) G-Shock Time <p>The Example Man in Your Life</p> <p>Dad, Daddy, Father, Poppa…. Whatever you call the man you look up to in your life, he desires the gift of time, both in jewelry and with you. Why not give him the jewelry and then make the time for something he loves to do with you. Which is probably anything!!</p> <p>If your Dad doesn’t wear jewelry, he’s a guy who works with his hands; he still needs to be able to tell time. Why not have that time piece be a piece of technical art?</p> <p>The G-Shock watch is sophisticated and functional. It’s shock resistant, water resistant, atomic time keeping (how cool is that?), has a sapphire crystal, solar technology and if all that wasn’t enough, Amazon Blue Tooth technology…need I say more? This is the tech watch that all guys will be proud to wear. Solar technology alone is one of the coolest techs you can get in a watch. It DOESN’T NEED BATTERIES. Light powers the watch, any light. Come in and check these watches out. It checks all the boxes. Even if your Example has A watch; he’d love, love, love, this one.</p> <p><img src="/images/uploaded/IMG_0601.jpg" alt="" width="393" height="393" /></p> <p><img src="/images/uploaded/IMG_0604.jpg" alt="" width="288" height="288" /><img src="/images/uploaded/IMG_0600.jpg" alt="" width="335" height="335" /></p> urn:store:1:blog:post:93 https://www.distinctivegold.com/the-bliss-of-emerald The Bliss of Emerald <p>Traditionally the birthstone for May is Emerald.  Green goes with everything; every plant has green leaves no matter the color of the flower.</p> <p>Emerald stories state it is the stone of abiding love, domestic bliss, and loyalty.  It was associated with faithfulness and devotion.  It was supposed to eliminate negativity in relationships, even to the point of removing that negative partner!!  Lore has it, that Nero would watch his gladiators through an emerald crystal.</p> <p>So, if you were searching for a colored gemstone to have as your focal point of your engagement ring, maybe Emerald is the right choice for the abiding love and domestic bliss we all would desire. What a story your ring would have!</p> <p>If you are searching for your birthstone and want an affordable option, we carry wonderful stackables that you can add more than just your birthstone with, in the course of any event, throughout the year.  Stackable rings are small reminders of achievements, celebrations, remembrances, or if you’re like me, sometimes I just can’t make up my mind and would like many in one “set”.</p> <p><img src="/images/uploaded/Emerald%20stackables.JPEG" alt="" /></p> urn:store:1:blog:post:92 https://www.distinctivegold.com/who-do-you-look-up-to Who Do You Look Up To? <p>Who do you look up to?</p> <p>Strong women usually raise equally strong and confident children. That being said, a statement piece from Frieda Rothman would be the perfect gift for your Mother. We love our Moms!!</p> <p> <img src="/images/uploaded/FR MOP pendant.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="298" /><img src="/images/uploaded/FR stackable bangles.jpg" alt="" width="293" height="302" /></p> <p><img src="/images/uploaded/FR triple set bangles.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="320" /><img src="/images/uploaded/FR rose gold bracelet.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="273" /></p> <p>Some women aren’t the birthstone type!</p> <p> </p> <p><img src="/images/uploaded/FR silver bracelet.jpg" alt="" width="359" height="298" /></p> urn:store:1:blog:post:91 https://www.distinctivegold.com/mothers-day-just-around-the-corner Mother's Day just around the corner <p>Mother’s Day is around the corner...</p> <p>Looking for something a little more unusual? It has some traditional parts like birthstones, but take a look at these:</p> <p><img src="/images/uploaded/Moon and Stars.jpeg" alt="" width="529" height="529" /></p> <p><img src="/images/uploaded/tree branch.jpeg" alt="" width="474" height="474" /></p> <p><img src="/images/uploaded/footprint.png" alt="" width="579" height="579" /></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="https://www.alisonandivy.com">https://www.alisonandivy.com</a></p> <p>For the stars and branches of your family tree, even if your just starting your tree.</p> urn:store:1:blog:post:90 https://www.distinctivegold.com/april-a-month-for-diamonds April a month for diamonds <p>APRIL …the month of diamonds</p> <p>April is such a great month. Spring flowers are starting to bloom, daffodils, tulips, crocus, and hyacinths. If you are lucky enough to be born in this month, you bloomed!! You also have diamond as your birthstone!</p> <p>A diamond is a diamond, mineral content of pure carbon, whether you choose a mined diamond or a lab grown, conflict free diamond. It is one of the most desired gemstones in the world.</p> <p>Let’s go over the basic list of what should be in your jewelry wardrobe:</p> <p>• 14kt Gold (yellow or white) hoop earrings</p> <p>• Pearl earrings (fresh water or Akoya) 6-7mm</p> <p>• Diamond stud earrings – any carat weight within your budget</p> <p>• 14kt gold bangle (yellow or white) bracelet – I’d suggest a flat bangle (opens to lay flat but, wears as a bangle)</p> <p>• 14kt gold (yellow or white) 18” chain, substantial enough to hold a pendant</p> <p>• A diamond solitaire pendant – any carat weight within your budget</p> <p>Now, even if your birthstone is Precious Topaz (me) we all love a good diamond.</p> <p>If you choose a lab grown diamond, you are acquiring a nearly flawless gemstone, something that may be out of your reach if it was a mined diamond. Of course, the goal in diamonds, whether it is an engagement ring or a pendant, is the 1 carat size. BUT, I can tell you a .50 point (1/2) carat pendant is a very tasteful size. You can choose whatever shape diamond you would like as a pendant. Traditional shapes are round, emerald, princess, and oval. I have spoken about the little headlight theory in a number of my other blogs. If you select colorless, D-E-F; or near colorless, G-H-I, it will be noticed across the room, no matter what size it is. That’s brilliance! The flashes of color are scintillation. Let me show you a stunning, lab created diamond pendant that we have available in a round brilliant cut:</p> <p>                                                      <img src="/images/uploaded/Diamond pendant.jpg" alt="" width="250" height="250" /></p> <p>Can’t you just picture this around your neck? I rarely take mine off. It is an item that will be passed down in the family. Maybe its new life will be someone’s engagement ring, as mine originally was.</p> urn:store:1:blog:post:89 https://www.distinctivegold.com/you-wish-april-was-your-birth-month-just-for-the-birthstone You wish April was your birth month, just for the birthstone!! <p>So…. you say you have an April birthday?!</p> <p>Stand up if you hate your April birthstone! ….I thought so, who hates DIAMONDS?! Those of us who don’t have April as our birthstone, we still love diamonds too!! What’s not to love? There’s sparkle and more SPARKLE!!! They come in colors, every color under the sun. Who has a birthstone like that???</p> <p>Now, you do not have to be crazy rich to own diamonds. I’m attaching pictures that are directly off our website. Black and White, Blue and White it doesn’t have to look like an engagement ring.</p> <p>How about a pendant? We have a ribbon/cross pendant that is gorgeous, a symbol of your faith or a symbol of entwining love.</p> <p><img src="/images/uploaded/better pix diamond ribbon pendant.jpg" alt="" width="518" height="518" /></p> <p>Most women long to have that iconic diamond bracelet. But, can you picture having a blue diamond bracelet?</p> <p><img src="/images/uploaded/QDX1207.jpg" alt="" width="540" height="540" /></p> <p>You can give your daughter, your granddaughter, your niece pieces of diamond jewelry they will keep in their hearts forever</p> <p><img src="/images/uploaded/Blue Heart diamond ring.jpg" alt="" width="200" height="200" />and then pass them down! AND they have a history to share of that piece (provenance).</p> <p><img src="/images/uploaded/Blue diamond band ring.jpeg" alt="" width="300" height="300" /></p> <p>We have beautiful men’s rings too. I’m not forgetting my son (born in April). Here’s a fact: men will wear diamond rings if YOU buy them for them. They will, they just don’t want to buy one for themselves.</p> <p> </p> <p><img src="/images/uploaded/Mens diamond ring.jpg" alt="" width="241" height="241" /></p> urn:store:1:blog:post:88 https://www.distinctivegold.com/aquamarine-birthstone-of-march Aquamarine! Birthstone of March <p>Aquamarine: Birthstone of March</p> <p>One of the most beautiful gemstones is Aquamarine. It is the sister stone of Emerald, Morganite, Goshenite, and Heliodor. In Latin Aquamarine means seawater. It is considered to be an “old money” stone. The popular assumption is if you own an Aquamarine, you probably have money.</p> <p>When choosing colored gemstones, normally the larger the stone the deeper the color, this holds true for Aquamarine. The color range for Aquamarine is blue to greenish-blue. My favorite color for Aqua is the greenish-blue. But, the most sought after color for Aquamarine is blue, it commands the highest price.</p> <p>If you love the color blue and statistically most people in 10 countries do, you have many blue and greenish-blue gemstones to choose from; Sapphire, Spinel, Kyanite, Turquoise, Tourmaline, blue diamonds. One of my all-time favorites is Aquamarine. You need to come in and see this stone in person to truly appreciate the beauty of the gem. Having it surrounded in diamonds adds to the allure of this birthstone!</p> <p><img src="/images/uploaded/Aquamarinerings.jpg" alt="" width="269" height="359" /></p> urn:store:1:blog:post:87 https://www.distinctivegold.com/tis-the-time-of-the-wearin-o-the-green Tis the time of the wearin' o' the green! <p><span style="color: #339966;">Whether you’re Irish or not, we all need to see a little green about now. Me…I’m 56% Irish according to 23&amp;Me.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #339966;">Symbolism in all cultures is very important. We Irish tout our symbols greatly! Who doesn’t want a lucky 4-leaf clover? The symbols in the Claddagh ring are Love (heart), Friendship (hands) and Loyalty (crown). People use this ring as their wedding ring. Others wear it as a symbol of their heritage. You can add gemstones, diamonds, but the symbolism still stands.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #339966;"> <img src="/images/uploaded/Claddagh rings.jpeg" alt="" width="240" height="320" /></span></p> <p><span style="color: #339966;">If what you prefer your green to be is stackable gemstone rings; maybe this set with a diamond band separating them would suit you. Now, if you already have your Claddagh, this is the ticket for the wearin’ o’ the green! You can always wear it any day, green goes with everything!! The best part, you can add more rings to a stackable set.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #339966;"><img src="/images/uploaded/Emerald stackables.jpeg" alt="" width="320" height="236" /></span></p> <p>Happy St. Patrick’s Day!</p> urn:store:1:blog:post:85 https://www.distinctivegold.com/my-heart-is-yours My Heart is Yours!! <p><span style="color: #ff0000;">You’ve captured my heart! Whether you set this diamond in a ring (wow!) or in a pendant to keep it close to her heart, this diamond cut is rare and spectacular!</span></p> <p><span style="color: #ff0000;"> <img src="/images/uploaded/IMG_0021 Heart.jpg" alt="" width="559" height="697" /></span></p> <p><span style="color: #ff0000;">Valentine’s Day is soon approaching and diamonds are a girl’s best friend! If you just want to re-iterate your love for your spouse this would be breathtaking!</span></p> <p><span style="color: #ff0000;">Remember a ring is for her to look at, as well as, others. A pendant is more for others to see, but for her to know it is closer to her heart.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #ff0000;">Valentine’s Day is a popular day for couples to get engaged. It is the day of love (not just chocolate)!</span></p> <p><span style="color: #ff0000;">A piece of jewelry is an emotional thing; you will always remember what day it was, where you were, and probably what you were wearing. I can look at pieces that I own and remember whether it was a gift or if I bought it for myself. Was it a significant achievement that I made to celebrate that purchase? Was it a lifelong dream piece?</span></p> urn:store:1:blog:post:86 https://www.distinctivegold.com/a-picture-is-worth-a-thousand-wordstaking-her-breath-away-is-worth-even-more A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words...Taking Her Breath Away is worth even more!! <p>A picture is worth a thousand words! Give her the ring of her dreams…and make sure you take a picture, whether you snap it on your phone or use a Canon with a zoom lens.</p> <p>Let us help you with that choice. We can show you many different shapes. ALWAYS know what her preference is, but it’s good to see others as well.</p> <p>Personally, I think we should all have one of each shape and we can mix it up a bit right?! (Oh, sorry I must have dozed off there for a second and thought I was rich) I think having gone through this process once. I might add color to my engagement ring or even make the center stone a Light Champagne South Sea Pearl (can you say ooooooooo!) with Champagne half moon diamonds on each side. You get the drift; you have the ability to dream outside the proverbial box.</p> <p>Start with looking at what we have and expand on that. Seeing a stone in a setting sets the tone for oh, too much or oh, not enough! The setting sometimes changes what you thought you really wanted. For example I’m showing you two different Princess cuts and two different Cushion cuts. Adding or subtracting side stones changes the look. How those side stones are set (at an angle or straight) makes a difference. But, I have to tell you the Round Brilliant on the header page is a real favorite!</p> <p>I’m including a few pictures that I chose from our website:</p> <p><img src="/images/uploaded/princessshape 75 R9386W.png" alt="" width="361" height="361" /><img src="/images/uploaded/Princessshape R9431W-1.50.png" alt="" width="420" height="420" /></p> <p><img src="/images/uploaded/Cushionshape R9486W.png" alt="" width="479" height="479" /></p> <p><img src="/images/uploaded/Cushionshape R9486W.png" alt="" width="472" height="472" /></p> urn:store:1:blog:post:84 https://www.distinctivegold.com/we-love-round-brilliants We Love Round Brilliants! <p>Round Brilliant cut diamonds are the most popular and hold their value more than any other cut diamond. Now, other diamond cuts can be more expensive, but consistent value is the Round Brilliant!</p> <p>You can see no matter what size the center stone, they are all gorgeous! Remember 58-59 facets per Round Brilliant cut and if you have added stones down the shank, side stones, or a halo, that means all the more brilliance (return of white light aka small headlight) from your ring. (wink!)</p> <p>Take a look at some of these examples in order of appearance .50ct center, 1ct center, and 2ct center:</p> <p><img src="/images/uploaded/roundshape 50 R162W.png" alt="" width="569" height="569" /></p> <p><img src="/images/uploaded/roundshape 1ct R9246W.png" alt="" width="518" height="518" /></p> <p><img src="/images/uploaded/Roundshape R9273W.png" alt="" width="542" height="542" /></p> urn:store:1:blog:post:83 https://www.distinctivegold.com/we-love-engagements We Love Engagements!! <p>We love engagements! If you are planning to pop the question or if you and your partner are searching for the perfect diamond for an engagement ring that lasts a lifetime, stop by! We have many choices for you to choose from.</p> <p>Remember that the 4Cs are important in making that major investment. Size isn’t necessarily everything! Balance of the 4Cs is important, choosing the shape that you will want to live with the rest of your life is very important.</p> <p>Cut, clarity, carat weight and color are the combination that determines the value of a particular diamond. Sometimes you may find a diamond that is just the right balance, maybe a little smaller on carat weight than you had set your heart on, but the balance of all the other Cs makes it look like a headlight from across the room. The return of white light (brilliance) and scintillation (sparkle) will make your ring be the one that people will want to grab your hand and say, can I see your ring? Get the best that you can afford, that has all the best of the 4Cs. You will never regret that choice.</p> <p>Even if what you are looking for is an anniversary ring, you still want to consider all those qualities in each of the stones in that anniversary band. The brilliance and scintillation that happens is truly a beautiful thing to behold.</p> <p><img src="/images/uploaded/IMG_0435 Pear shape close up.jpg" alt="" width="596" height="730" /></p> urn:store:1:blog:post:82 https://www.distinctivegold.com/drum-roll-please Drum roll please.... <p>And the Pantone color of the year 2019 is…….</p> <p>Living Coral - Pantone 16-1546</p> <p>It is a warm, peachy orange with a golden undertone.</p> <p>In the determination of which color they will choose, they look at what people are doing in beauty and fashion, and even art. Living Coral is an intimate, warming, optimistic, color. You think tropics, warm breezes, oceans. (sigh!) I need to book a flight.</p> <p>Everything from furniture to clothing will be displaying this color. Love coral? Your new Artisan stand mixer is even going to be in this lovely color.</p> <p>Coral colored gemstones are flattering to all skin tones. Large peachy-pink coral gems set in yellow or even rose gold are gorgeous! Set them in earrings next to your face even better. This color gemstone goes well with black, brown, white, pale (sea foam) greenish-blue. This color with a slight tan is a great healthy look.</p> <p>Here are a couple of the suggested palettes from Pantone that are complimentary with this color: The Under the Sea Palette and the Sympatico Palette; there are more, please, go use your search engine skills. The palettes are truly, very pretty.</p> <p>One of the prettiest Sapphires (and rarest) is a peachy-pink color, named Padparadscha, Sri Lankan for lotus blossom. There is also Quartz that is colored the warm Living Coral color. Come and peruse our enamel jewelry, you might find a piece that color or one that compliments your existing coral.</p> urn:store:1:blog:post:80 https://www.distinctivegold.com/dear-santa Dear Santa <p>Dear Santa,</p> <p>I would love to get my Mommy a beautiful reminder gift that she will always carry with her from me and my brother and sisters. I have enclosed a picture that a nice company (Distinctive Gold) created for me, and with my Dad’s permission to write this letter, I know you can deliver this by Christmas Day!</p> <p>I do believe Santa….</p> <p>Love,</p> <p>Virginia</p> <p> </p> <p><img src="/images/uploaded/Yellow gold CAD ring.jpg" alt="" width="451" height="254" /></p> urn:store:1:blog:post:81 https://www.distinctivegold.com/happy-new-year Happy New Year! <p>HAPPY NEW YEAR!</p> <p>Looking for a memorable gift? We can take your idea, maybe even some of your existing gemstones and create a new piece that will be the start of a memory for you and your family.</p> <p>Creating jewelry in our CAD program allows us the flexibility to add or delete settings, diamonds instead of colored gemstones allowing you to actually see the piece and determine ahead of the actual construction if this is what you thought it would look like.</p> <p>The two pieces that we used in our previous blog are examples of that work. I’ve attached them here again, so you can see you don’t always have to have the same shape stones to make a stunning piece. The white gold 5 stone ring can be the significance of celebration of milestones together, possibly the 5th grandchild.</p> <p>Tony or Joe can speak with you about what you would like to create, no matter how big or small. Never rule out gemstones that you inherited, you can change the design from a woman’s piece to a man’s ring. You can take a ring and use the stones to create a new pendant or pendants. I have a girlfriend whose mother passed away and had this large cluster diamond ring. She had many granddaughters, so my friend took the ring and had multiple pendants made for each of the granddaughters, so they always have a piece of Grandma with them.</p> <p>But, if what you are looking for is to create that perfect engagement ring….we can do that too!!</p> <p> </p> <p><img src="/images/uploaded/CAD ring.jpg" alt="" width="579" height="326" /></p> urn:store:1:blog:post:79 https://www.distinctivegold.com/black-friday BLACK FRIDAY!! <p>It’s here...BLACK FRIDAY!</p> <p>Want to give her diamond earrings for the holidays? Looking for a GREAT stocking stuffer? That small jewelry box is always an eye opener!!</p> <p>We have 1/4 carat total weight Eco Rock diamond studs in 14kt gold for $199. Black Friday weekend only! While supplies last. Diamonds! 14kt gold!! They make great gifts for daughters, granddaughters or nieces. Girls don’t forget yourselves, you work hard, treat yourselves. How many do you want? Get in line behind me, no cutting....</p> <p> </p> <p>Holiday Hours:</p> <p>Monday and Tuesday 10-5</p> <p>Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday 10-7</p> <p>Saturday 10-5</p> <p>Sunday 12-4</p> <p><img src="/images/uploaded/IMG_6913.jpg" alt="" width="430" height="344" /></p> urn:store:1:blog:post:78 https://www.distinctivegold.com/tourmaline Tourmaline <p><img src="/images/uploaded/Better pink Tourmaline.jpeg" alt="" width="633" height="845" /></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p>TOURMALINE</p> <p>This amazing gemstone species has one of the widest color ranges of any colored gemstone. Rich reds to pastel pinks and peaches; intense emerald greens, vivid yellow to stunning blues. It was discovered in Brazil in the 1500s. Besides having this wide variety of colors, it also has scientific properties that people do not realize. It is pyroelectric and piezoelectric.</p> <p>Geek information for you science nerds:</p> <p>Pyroelectric definition: becomes electrically charged when heated.</p> <p>Piezoelectric definition: the able to convert mechanical signals (sound waves) into electrical signals and vice versa. Used in microphones, phonograph pickups and earphones! They can generate a spark for igniting gas as well.</p> <p>Often Tourmaline crystals come in all shapes and sizes, which vary with the variety of Tourmaline. The most expensive and famous varieties of Tourmaline is the vivid blue to green colored by copper, Elbaite. The Paraiba colored Tourmaline is the most stunning, electric, neon-blue. Worth the Internet search (check GIA.edu). Tourmalines are pleochroic, this means that if you look at the stone one way it looks one color, turn it 90 degrees and it looks a different hue. Most green Tourmalines are strongly pleochroic. But, the most popular of the red hue is called Rubellite. It can resemble good quality ruby, but lacks the fluorescence (internal glow if you will). Shades vary from red to a beautiful pink. Most red Tourmalines have a strong purplish component.</p> <p>The lore: Some healers think that green Tourmaline is suited for males. It has strong energy. It clears up stress and confusion. It is believed to foster prosperity and financial success.</p> urn:store:1:blog:post:77 https://www.distinctivegold.com/fall FALL!! <p>This is the time of year that brings rich colors! Add Smokey Quartz or rich red Garnet to your wardrobe!</p> <p>Warm colors are typically: yellow, orange and reds; think sunset colors.</p> <p>Cool colors are typically: blue, green and purples; think forests, mountains, blue oceans.</p> <p>Take a basic brown or black dress/ top and add one of the warm colors via a necklace or pendant. Add a colorful scarf with a great gemstone brooch in a warm color. It changes the whole look of an outfit that you’ve worn multiple times before!</p> <p>For many people this is there favorite time of the year, trees are striking colors of red and yellow. Remember Garnet comes in all colors, if you’ve never seen orange, it’s stunning! When you are looking for a change to your look think out of the box. Try colors that you haven’t worn with others before. You may find a new favorite combination.</p> <p>So, what colors are you wearing on Thanksgiving? It’s just 20 days away!! Make it a dressier day, wear comfortable, but a notch up on casual clothes and bring out some of that great jewelry you have buried in that jewelry box. Wear it, don’t save it! (the kids want to remember seeing you wear something that they inherit) ;)</p> <p>SPOILER ALERT! You only have 52 days to pick up those presents for Christmas…jus’ saying.</p> <p> </p> <p><img src="/images/uploaded/cluster ring.jpg" alt="" width="589" height="589" /></p> urn:store:1:blog:post:76 https://www.distinctivegold.com/chlorine-vs-gold Chlorine vs Gold <p>Keeping your house clean, swimming daily in your backyard pool, who knew that those activities can cause horrific damage to your wedding rings or your cross necklace that you wear daily?</p> <p>Chlorine bleach is a caustic chemical. It may keep your family from getting the flu by cleaning your bathrooms with it, but use gloves when you dip your hands into that solution to wash away those germs!</p> <p>Love to swim in your pool? The same chemical is keeping the germs out of your pool’s water. You may not see some of the effects immediately, but if you put your gold under a microscope you would be able to see pitting beginning. Especially if you are an avid swimmer in a chlorinated pool!</p> <p>We have some examples of what can happen to your lovely pieces that one of our customers so graciously allowed us to include in this blog. There is no salvaging this piece. It can’t be re-plated with a thin layer of gold. What has happened is the copper alloy portion of the gold has been dissolved away!</p> <p>Looking fashionable at the beach or pool is one thing, keeping your jewelry safe during that activity is important especially that chlorine pool!</p> <p> </p> <p><img src="/images/uploaded/ring damage.jpg" alt="" width="473" height="355" /></p> <p><img src="/images/uploaded/ring damage 2.jpg" alt="" width="476" height="357" /></p> urn:store:1:blog:post:75 https://www.distinctivegold.com/a-diamond-is-a-diamond-is-a-diamond a diamond Is a Diamond, IS A DIAMOND!!! <p>A Diamond, is a Diamond, is a Diamond!!</p> <p>Chemical make-up of a diamond: carbon, its crystal structure regardless whether mined or lab created, is the same. Carbon in a crystal structure is a diamond. Now, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) agrees. There is no longer the term natural diamond. Mined and laboratory grown diamonds are DIAMONDS!!!!</p> <p>The old definition of a diamond used the term natural “mineral consisting essentially of pure carbon, crystallized in the isometric system.” (aka crystal growth structure).</p> <p>Gemstones are classified by what structure their crystals have formed in, e.g. cubic (as example: diamond, garnet); orthorhombic (as example: tanzanite, topaz); trigonal (as example: sapphire, ruby); tetragonal (as example: zircon); hexagonal (as example: emerald, morganite); monoclinic (as example: kunzite ,diopside); triclinic (as example: kyanite, turquoise).</p> <p>The new FTC definition of a diamond states, that it is a “mineral consisting essentially of pure carbon in the isometric system”. GONE is the word natural. It does not apply any more. With technological advances that allows humans to create diamonds with pure carbon applying the same heat and pressure, that it would have taken the earth millions of years to create but faster, what’s the difference? TIME!! You can get a beautiful diamond, less expensively, more eco- friendly, and more politically conscious! They are chemically, physically and optically identical as their million year counterparts.</p> <p>Let’s clear a common misconception up. The word synthetic means an artificially produced gem, e.g. cubic zirconia.</p> <p>Carbon is an element ,(periodic table) 6 Carbon</p> <p>Melting point 3,825 K</p> <p>Boiling point 5,100 K</p> <p>Orbits [He] 2s2 2p2</p> <p>C Atomic mass 12.011</p> <p>Therefore it is not synthetic, can’t be synthesized.</p> <p>There is a term in the jewelry industry, simulant. It means, it looks like another real gemstone, it is an imitation, but does not have the same chemical, physical and optical properties of the real gemstone. E.g., Cut glass made to look like a diamond.</p> <p>The term Cultured Diamond was banned previously. Now, the FTC ruled that the word can be used if they are describing a laboratory-created diamond that has essentially the same physical, optical and chemical properties as a mined diamond, if the term is qualified by a clear, conspicuous disclosure e.g. laboratory-created/grown, etc. Making sure that the consumer realizes it is not a mined stone.</p> <p>Think about pearls, a pearl is a pearl if it is grown in an oyster or a mollusk. If man has inserted an irritant within the oyster/mollusk to help it create a pearl, we still just call the pearl, for the most part, a pearl. Technically, it is a cultured pearl (aid of man). So, cultured diamonds are heading in the same direction.</p> <p>The FTC has extended its flexibility in its new guidance addressing cultured diamonds to the other man-made gemstones. As long as they have the same chemical, physical, and optical properties as the named stone. Again with the disclosures as stated above for the diamonds, that it is not a mined stone.</p> <p>Anybody up for a D-E-F color, near flawless, diamond?! I’ll take an oval (bigger face up value than a round, 2 ct would be nice) Keep in mind there’s still going to be a hefty price, but not nearly as much as before.</p> urn:store:1:blog:post:74 https://www.distinctivegold.com/roses-are-red-but-ruby-is-s-o-o-o-o-much-better Roses are red but, RUBY is s-o-o-o-o much better! <p>Roses are red but, RUBY is s-o-o-o-o much better!</p> <p>If you have never, ever seen great rubies, you need to! This is another of the BIG Three! They aren’t cloudy, they are clear and smoldering like a fire is burning inside of the stone. They do take your breath away. Now, diamonds are a girl’s best friend, but add the heat of a ruby next to those diamonds….stunning, truly stunning.</p> <p>We have some wonderful examples of excellent rubies. I have included examples in white gold, another in rose gold. That’s another choice you have besides white and yellow gold. You owe it to yourself to try a piece of rose gold. You will love it! Men are even wearing rose gold watches. It goes with every skin tone.</p> <p> </p> <p><img src="/images/uploaded/Princess Cut Ruby and diamond ring.jpg" alt="" width="246" height="200" /><img src="/images/uploaded/Ruby ring in rose gold_thumb.jpg" alt="" width="184" height="196" /></p> urn:store:1:blog:post:70 https://www.distinctivegold.com/cad-design CAD Design <p>CAD Design</p> <p>Many times when choosing a design for jewelry, you like many different styles and cannot seem to choose between many. This is where sitting with a design specialist and having a CAD experienced jeweler comes in to guide your process. They can assist with diamond shape as well as how it will look in a setting. A rendering is sketched up and your basic design can be seen.</p> <p> </p> <p> <img src="/images/uploaded/rendering.jpg" alt="" width="304" height="448" /></p> <p>You may take say, a wide band, a halo of diamonds, and yellow gold thinking this is all I need, can we make this pretty? Your design specialist can suggest a number of different variations on this to make your ring unique. After determining what your basics are, they can turn it into a rendering that can take your breath away!</p> <p> <img src="/images/uploaded/GregBettyJo1b.jpg" alt="" width="664" height="499" /></p> <p>The CAD program allows for changing colors on gold choices and you can see it! As they say, a picture is worth a thousand words! Now, that basic description that you gave has life. You can see if you want a 6 prong head with rose gold instead of a 4 prong with yellow gold. It allows you to see different views: vertical or horizontal setting.</p> <p> <img src="/images/uploaded/pennyK1.jpg" alt="" width="448" height="336" /></p> <p>You inherited your mother’s wedding band and want to take the diamonds out and refresh them in a new design that is you. But, you want to keep the band. You can make multiple items with those two products! The diamonds can be placed in a necklace perhaps or redesigned with sapphires (because that was her birthstone) back on a by-pass designed ring. The original band can be re-used with your favorite gemstone placed on it, so every time you wear it, you’re spending time with your mother! It doesn’t even have to stay in the design that held her diamonds. A basket can be placed on the band to hold your gemstone; around that basket could be colored diamonds!</p> <p> <img src="/images/uploaded/My ring_thumb.jpg" alt="" width="458" height="458" /></p> <p>Your wedding diamonds can be split up between your daughters and pendants made so each of them has a memento of you. You can pass your previous engagement ring gemstones on to a granddaughter and her wedding set will have provenance! (history)</p> urn:store:1:blog:post:69 https://www.distinctivegold.com/what-are-lab-created-diamonds What are Lab Created Diamonds? <p> <img style="undefined" src="/images/uploaded/IMG_5690.jpg" alt="" width="682" height="547" /></p> <p> </p> <p><strong>What are Lab-Created Diamonds?</strong><br />Lab-created diamonds are the subject of lots of discussion right now in the jewelry industry. These lab diamonds, can be also known as 'cultured diamonds'. These are diamonds that are produced above ground. They are produced in labs that emulate the conditions of how the earth creates diamonds. This is accomplished by multiple processes to create these diamonds.</p> <p>A lab created diamond is chemically identical to a mined diamond (carbon). These diamonds are not diamond stimulants, such as cubic zirconia or moissanite, they consist of actual carbon atoms making them diamonds. These are 100% REAL DIAMONDS and are not "artificial" or "fake". While they are an alternative to a mined diamond, they are becoming harder and harder to identify and understand. However, GIA is in the fore-front of identifying and testing lab stones for a 'no confusion' marketplace. Though we have our exclusive "Eco-Rock" Diamonds, we want to explain the methods and give a bit more background information.</p> <p><strong>Methods of creating Man-Made Diamonds</strong><br />Most lab-grown diamonds are typically created one of two ways. Either by a high-pressure, high-temperature process (HPHT) or a chemical vapor deposition (CVD).In both ways these diamonds are identical to the diamonds mined on the earth. It is not detectable by the naked eye, it takes an expert trained gem grader with the proper lab and tools to identify them.</p> <p><strong>HPHT</strong><br />High-pressure, high-temperature diamonds is the name given to diamonds created under pressure of 5 GPa at more than 1500 degrees Celsius. Though this is not new to creating a lab diamond, this process has been used on diamonds to treat them in the past. It has been used to add or subtract colors or enhance the diamond as a whole. Typically this process is now started with a lab diamond and is, known as the seed. These seeds grow or crystallize in the process to create the HPHT diamonds.</p> <p><strong>CVD</strong><br />This process of Chemical Vapor Deposition, is another way to form synthetic diamonds. This method is a crystal formation process, using carbon plasma where the carbon atoms start to form. These deposits start to form the diamond from also a seed diamond. Along with the plasma, various gases are released into the chamber to create the right environment of the process.</p> <p>How to tell if your Diamond is Lab or Natural?<br />With the prevalence of these new diamonds in the market, a lot of questions that get posed are: How can you tell if your diamond is natural or lab grown? Simply the best ways are to either send them off to GIA to get a report, or check the laser inscription on the diamond itself. It is cost prohibited for now, for the jeweler, however soon a machine will be available, at a jewelers level to detect mined from lab diamonds.</p> <p>GIA tests every diamond to see if it is natural. If the diamond is lab grown, then it will come with its Diamond Grading Report. In the same report it identifies your diamond and the ratings of cut, color, clarity, and carat.</p> <p>As well, GIA, IGI and other report labs will laser inscribe the diamonds on their girdle with the report number and a note that the diamond is lab grown. If you are curious about your diamonds, Distinctive Gold Jewelry should be able to help you find this inscription on the diamond. A microscope can see these inscriptions to help verify it.</p> <p><strong>Benefits to Lab Created Diamonds</strong><br />The benefits to having a lab grown diamond are not hard to realize. These diamonds are identical in nature to the mined diamond. So for all the positives you find with most diamonds, you can find in these lab diamonds. The major benefit is that these diamonds are a lot more affordable for your budget. Also Eco-Friendly, sustainable and a vastly smaller carbon foot print. Please see the below "Eco-Rock" diagram.</p> <p><strong>Price &amp; Value</strong><br />The "Eco-Rock" diamonds that we offer come in the same clarity, color, and cuts of mined diamonds. However, these diamonds big benefit is their value. Being more affordable because they are created and not mined is the basic benefit. The costs of mining along with the rarity, creates the high value of these stones. Taking the cost of mining and rarity out creates a slightly lower price. (In some instances, up to 50% less for the same mined stone).</p> <p><strong>Eco-Friendly &amp; Sustainable</strong><br />The "Eco-Rock" diamonds that we offer is the most sustainable diamond we have available. These are: Conflict-free. Eco-Friendly. Green. While the world changes, technology has created a new way for us to avhieve goals on a more sustainable product and industry.</p> <p>                                    <img src="/images/uploaded/EcoVSminedChart.jpg" alt="" width="350" height="608" /></p> <p><strong>Negatives</strong><br />The only negatives for lab diamonds are that in some cases, carat sizes offered are capped - so if you want a bigger diamond, you may be out of luck. To clarify, by "big" we mean massive, like the size you would see on the Queen of England's crown. Nearly every popular carat size is offered as a lab grown. However, we advise a word of caution before buying a lab stone - You need to get a report with it. As this is a newer market and product for the industry, there are always bad actors looking to swindle the public. We highly suggest only buy from trusted labs or jewelers like Distinctive Gold Jewelry, and always have the certification/report when purchasing.</p> <p><strong>Where can you find Lab-Created Diamond in Frankfort?</strong><br />Have we sparked your interest? Because ours was! Lab diamonds represent a very small part of the diamond market currently, but we have seen the prominence of these diamonds more and more. So much so we have partnered with one of the labs and offer the "Eco-Rock" diamond. Reach out to us or stop in to see one today, you will not be disappointed, because IT'S A DIAMOND!</p> urn:store:1:blog:post:68 https://www.distinctivegold.com/mothermomgrandmagma Mother...Mom...Grandma..G'Ma! <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><img src="/images/uploaded/Movado Womans diamond watch.jpg" alt="" width="208" height="268" /></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p>Whatever you call her, she is your reason for being. You could send her flowers and give her candy, but they have a short life-span of enjoyment. A piece of jewelry no matter how small lasts forever!</p> <p>Jewelry is a memory piece. You give it to celebrate: birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, Mother’s Day, and weddings.</p> <p>Give her the gift of time; spend time with her, more than 10 minutes! Give her a timepiece that will remind her of you each time she looks at it. Add a charm to her Chamilia bracelet. Chamilia has wonderful charms to celebrate your mother.</p> <p>These pieces will become part of a legacy to pass on to future generations. Yes, even items to argue who gets Mom’s watch or charm bracelet! It will be not only her ‘touch stone’ but somebody else’s too.</p> <p> </p> <p>HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY all you Mothers, Moms, Grandmas!!</p> urn:store:1:blog:post:67 https://www.distinctivegold.com/pearls-3 PEARLS!!! <p> </p> <p> <img src="/images/uploaded/compressed pearls.jpg" alt="" width="336" height="448" /></p> <p>To paraphrase Coco Chanel, every woman needs pearls. I couldn’t agree more. They are created by natural processes. Pearls are considered gemstones; they were just created by a living thing, not by minerals in the ground. Nothing else compares…Can you imagine that an irritant can create such a wondrous gem? An Oyster (salt water) or Mollusk (fresh water) form a protein secretion called conchiolin to cover the irritant? That becomes the nacre (the skin if you will) lustrous, iridescent, and can be most colors. This was the first engagement ring. Yes, ladies, it was not diamond.</p> <p>Pearls can be dyed to create bright colors, but come in wonderful natural shades of pink, blue, lavender, green, black, golden, champagne, shall I go on?</p> <p>It’s one of the jewelry box items I mentioned in a previous blog. If you are born in June, this is your birthstone. A great pearl feels like silk to the touch, they warm to your body’s temperature. If you take a pearl and rub it against your tooth, if it’s real, it will feel gritty.</p> <p>Japanese Akoyas have such a mirror like luster, they almost don’t look natural! Sizes can be 2mm and up to 9mm.</p> <p>South Sea pearls can come in huge sizes from 8mm up to 20mm! (picture jawbreaker) They also have a beautiful luster. Colors range from silver white, champagne gold, to deep golden.</p> <p>Tahitian pearls have wondrous colors, beautiful luster and range from 8mm to 15mm. Colors range from aubergine, black, brown, Peacock or green and even white (rare but can happen).</p> <p>Fresh water pearls are found in fresh lakes and streams. Some are naturally all nacre; no man made irritant was needed to create it. They are white, pink, lavender, pale gold. They can also be dyed. Sizes can be 2mm up to 20mm.</p> <p>The overtone on a pearl can make a difference to its appearance. They can have a silver, a rosé or even a peacock overtone. As with gemstones, color is everything. Even white pearls have an overtone.</p> <p>I am a pearl girl; it is my absolute favorite gemstone. What’s yours?</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> urn:store:1:blog:post:66 https://www.distinctivegold.com/the-big-three The BIG Three... <p>The BIG three…</p> <p>Rubies, Emeralds and Sapphires, these are considered the preeminent precious gemstones. Jewel tone colors, not pastels, they draw your eye. They can be more expensive than diamonds. Keep in mind diamonds are found on most continents of the world! DeBeers would like you to think they are rare, well larger sizes are.</p> <p>Emeralds are the most stunning, spectral green; green goes with everything, look at the flowers all their leaves are green! If you were born in May this is the your birthstone as well.</p> <p>Rings can be made as stackables with Emeralds, Rubies and Sapphires. Emerald is one of the prestigious gemstones to aspire to own. If someone asked you which gemstone you liked, out of all gemstones, most people would name one of the big three. They’re rare, beautiful and very durable, can be worn on a daily basis with confidence of no damage. It can be your signature ring, the one your children will want to inherit or want to be able to purchase themselves when they get their great job!</p> <p>We all window shop on jewelry, what’s your favorite color? Jewel tones? Pastels? They can all be paired with accents of diamonds.</p> <p>Take a look at this beautiful Emerald ring, remember rings and bracelets are for your viewing pleasure!</p> <p> </p> <p><img src="/images/uploaded/Emerald ring cropped.jpg" alt="" width="640" height="391" /></p> urn:store:1:blog:post:64 https://www.distinctivegold.com/bella-cavo Bella Cavo <p>Bella Cavo</p> <p>Jewelry makes your outfit. Sometimes adding a new piece to an existing outfit, yes pick your jewelry out first ladies, can totally change the “look” of what you are wearing.</p> <p>Bella Cavo in Italian means beautiful cable; Kelly Waters Bella Cavo line has flexible cable bracelets and rings inspired by great Italian designs, in Sterling Silver with Rhodium plating, as well as, 24kt gold over pieces.</p> <p> </p> <p> <img src="/images/uploaded/IMG_0477.jpg" alt="" width="658" height="329" /></p> <p>Sterling Silver is the most reflective of all the metals, Rhodium plating over the Sterling Silver gives you a non-tarnish finish that is carefree. This line of jewelry also carries men’s designs!</p> <p>The bangles are flexible (great to stretch out or squeeze in) and some have simulated diamonds that start at $69.95 (and who doesn’t love bling?!) Whether you are a millennial or a boomer, a lightweight bangle that is none the less strong, is an asset to that jewelry box you’re building! Stack ‘em together or with your gemstone bracelets. Bangles stacked together give a great look. Got any Alex and Ani bracelets? Add a Kelly Waters bangle next to it. Bright bracelets with great design that have that cable inspiration are so on trend and it won’t break the bank! It makes the existing have a new flair. Never just give up the older styles, add to them!!</p> <p>Remember never stop adding to that jewelry repertoire, they get passed on to the next gen!</p> urn:store:1:blog:post:65 https://www.distinctivegold.com/so-you-have-an-april-birthstone So you have an April birthstone?! <p><br />Lucky you!! We talk a lot about gemstones in general, red ones, blue ones but, those of you who have diamond as your birthstone what luck! They don’t have to be unobtainable items. Maybe you have some tax refund or bonus money that you may want to invest in a forever piece of jewelry.</p> <p>In the next few blogs we’ll go over some of the items every woman should have in her (if you will) jewelry arsenal. First get a great jewelry box, it’s a lifetime piece. Make sure it has plenty of space for rings. They do make just ring boxes now with Plexiglas tops so you can see the rings. The rolled felt of where you place a ring can also hold earrings. Get a Silver polishing cloth and a rouge cloth. Ask DGJ about the rouge, you can also Google it. It polishes Gold wonderfully!</p> <p>Every woman should have some variation of the following:</p> <p>Diamond stud earrings (they don’t have to be 1ct, ½ ct with the right color can be seen across the room! You can have them custom made to fit your budget. Ask Tony, Joe or Lisa.</p> <p>Pearl earrings (stud) cannot stress this enough! They are timeless, wear with jeans, fancy dresses, anything! Your first should be a set of Japanese Akoyas. Good Akoyas have a mirror like finish. DGJ can help you get a lovely pair; they don’t have to be 10mm. Standard size pearls are 6.5 to 7mm. Buy the best grade you can afford. They are graded as A, AA, or AAA. White with a silver overtone is the classic. But, rose overtones may be your choice. (your next pair?)</p> <p>Gold hoop earrings, casual enough to wear every day, but gold is timeless; they can transition to a more special occasion. They don’t have to be 2” long, a 1” pair is very tasteful.</p> <p>Gold chains in various lengths (either white Gold or yellow preferably some of both) strong enough to hold a decent size gemstone pendant. Keep in mind, you can change the pendants off the chains ladies!</p> <p>Bangle bracelet, flexible bangles (ones that lie flat when taken off are great)</p> <p>Good watch –one that has style but also accurate! ESQ, Seiko (I have Seikos that have lasted longer that a husband, like the commercial!)</p> <p>Signature ring, any design, one that everyone knows you by. It can be your birthstone, signet ring with your initial or a small diamond pinky ring.</p> urn:store:1:blog:post:63 https://www.distinctivegold.com/whats-in-your-easter-egg What's in your Easter Egg? <p><br />What would the bunny put in your egg? We all love Easter Egg Hunts! Candy? Chocolate? Diamonds?</p> <p>Easter…The renewal of life, of growth, of faith. Think Spring!!</p> <p>Is it time to add a faith piece to your jewelry wardrobe? Look for a diamond cross, or if money doesn’t allow, a simulant (cubic zirconia). If bling isn’t your thing, a sterling silver or gold cross will help you on your journey. It can be your touch-stone piece, in times of trouble reach up and touch your cross and realize your belief carries you through. There are modern cross pieces laying side-ways, pendants and rings.</p> <p>How did the Easter bunny tie in with Easter, the Christian holy day? Well in folklore, don’t all stories start that way? Around the 1600s, German Lutherans created the bunny; it was a judge of whether children were good or bad around Eastertide, hence, the reward of sweets.</p> <p>Easter also means colors! Pastels in particular! You start wearing lighter colors in your clothing; your jewelry should reflect that as well. As a very astute, jeweler’s wife once asked me; do you choose your jewelry, then your clothing? YES, yes I do.</p> <p>Good Spring colors: Peridot, pale Citrine, Pink Topaz, Pink Sapphire, yellow sapphire, sky blue Topaz, Aquamarine (my favorite), Heliodor, pale Tazanite or Kunzite.</p> <p>Find a great ring to brighten your mood. Add a Spring Chamilia charm: bunny charm or pastel glass bead (like Italian candy coated almonds) or dangling crosses.</p> urn:store:1:blog:post:62 https://www.distinctivegold.com/slainté SLAINTÉ <p>SLAINTÉ...</p> <p>Get your green on Saturday, celebrate St. Patrick ’s Day (even if you’re not Irish… bless you)!</p> <p>It’s a day to celebrate all things green, the end of Winter, Spring approaches, flowers are coming up, trees have buds. Go look for a 4 leaf clover!! Tis luck you’ll be havin’.</p> <p>Wear green jewelry! EARRINGS such as these, are available for that touch o’ green</p> <p> </p> <p> <img src="/images/uploaded/Emerald earrings.jpg" alt="" width="547" height="547" /></p> <p>Have corned beef and cabbage! Or maybe a Ruben sandwich. Enjoy the day, soon you will be mowing the lawn.</p> <p>May God bless you and yours…</p> urn:store:1:blog:post:61 https://www.distinctivegold.com/dgj-maintenance-suggestions-by-maria-still-current DGJ Maintenance Suggestions by Maria -Still current!! <p>Your jewelry should never be compromised by improper care. Here are some DO'S and DON'TS for success.</p> <p>Platinum, White Gold, and Silver, white metals in general, are typically much more high maintenance.</p> <p>DO be aware of your activity while wearing your rings/watches.</p> <p>DO have your primary rings checked every 4 months. Watches when necessary</p> <p>DON'T hesitate to have your ring/watches checked if it has been knocked /bumped. Watches are subject to problems when bumped</p> <p>DON'T wear your rings/watches in harmful chemicals, i.e., swimming pools, bleach, chlorinated water, or hard water.</p> <p>DON'T wear any jewelry to bed.</p> <p>DO expect your gold/silver/watches and jewelry, that is worn every day, to stretch and show metal fatigue at hinges or clasp ends.</p> <p>DO expect your clasp to be a wearing part and need to be adjusted every 4 months if worn every day, and replace when worn.</p> <p>DO ask if your Watch purchase is water resistant, and how to keep it water sealed.</p> <p>DON'T pull the crown out of your watch to save the battery life; you may promote it to leak.</p> <p>DO have your earring post, European backs, hinges, push/screw nuts and regular backs replaced when worn. DON'T wear earrings to bed.</p> <p>Pearls DO need to be restrung annually or depending how much they are worn possibly bi-annually.</p> <p>DO realize that we live in an oxidizing environment. Your gold jewelry will and can tarnish, and be accelerated by body chemistry and or jewelry cleaning fluids. DO ask how to retard tarnishing.</p> <p>DO ask about the details to promote proper care of your gemstones: i.e. from thermal shock to opals to proper storing of diamonds with softer gemstones.</p> urn:store:1:blog:post:60 https://www.distinctivegold.com/its-national-jewelers-day-march-13 It's National Jewelers Day March 13! <p>Celebrate your favorite jewelers March 13!! It is a national day to celebrate the great jewelry that Joe, Tony and Lisa have created for you. I know that there is great bling out there!! Post your jewelry creations by DGJ!</p> <p>I thank them for the beautiful designs in Tanzanite, Morganite and Aquamarine they have created for me.</p> <p><img src="/images/uploaded/Tanzanite.jpg" alt="" width="515" height="385" /></p> urn:store:1:blog:post:59 https://www.distinctivegold.com/aquamarineold-money Aquamarine..."Old Money" <p>OLD MONEY!!</p> <p>Aquamarine, the gemstone that is considered to be glamorous, expensive, rare enough, that only people that had “old money” could afford it. You’ve made it when you own a piece of Aquamarine! Aquamarine or Aqua is a sister stone to some famous and pretty relatives, Emerald, Morganite, Goshenite, Heliodor, and Bixbite (really rare). They are all part of the Beryl family. But, the three sisters, Emerald, Aqua, and Morganite are the most popular.</p> <p>Whether it’s a translucent faceted or opaque cabochon, Aqua is a g-e-o-r-g-e-o-u-s gemstone! If you are a March baby, you are a lucky person to have such a wonderful birthstone. https://www.distinctivegold.com/about/birthstones</p> <p>We have a beautiful cabochon cut Aquamarine ring that can put you in that elists’ group of Aquamarine owners. Remember, a ring and bracelet are worn for you, a necklace and earrings are worn for others. You can see the ring and bracelet. You’d have to look in a mirror to see the others.</p> <p> <img src="/images/uploaded/opaque aqua ring.jpg" alt="" width="240" height="240" /></p> <p><br /><br /></p> urn:store:1:blog:post:58 https://www.distinctivegold.com/touch-feel-seebuy Touch, Feel, See...Buy <p>Touch, Feel, See…Buy</p> <p>When you are about to make a purchase as important as a diamond, especially THE diamond (if you know what I mean), there is nothing more important than the tactile feel of handling your stone. By interacting with the stone, you can see the brilliance, the fire and the look of the cut.</p> <p>When shopping for a diamond, it is important to keep in mind the four C’s: color, clarity, cut and carat weight. Of the four C’s, one of the most important aspects is cut. Ideal cut diamonds are cut to specific dimensions that produce exceptional brilliance. An ideal cut is considered “absolute perfection” in polish, symmetry and cut. Jewelers use ratings from good to excellent (sometimes referred to as “X” or “EX”), to grade diamonds. When a stone is rated as “triple excellent”, it is excellent for polish, symmetry and cut.</p> <p>The simplicity of shopping on the internet has become a consumer favorite, but not all purchases are created equal. For example, a sweater may look great online and when it arrives, it looks pretty much like it did online. However, this isn’t always the case with diamonds.</p> <p>To begin, the purchase of a diamond is a big ticket item; you want to ensure that what you see is really what you wanted, and most importantly, what you get. By seeing your diamond in person, you can roll it around and see the characteristics of it. This is important. You cannot do that online. Even with the presence of great 3D/HD video, the sale is still missing the importance of physical interaction. Each diamond can have internal characteristics; graining, naturals, feathers, clouds and possibly fluorescence. Too much of any of those characteristics can make the diamond misty or cloudy, greatly diminishing the clarity of the stone and the brilliance to the naked eye. Sometimes, that misty or cloudy appearance is not readily apparent at certain angles. When handling your stone in person you have control of looking at the stone from all angles. Additionally, you may have the advantage to look into the stone at a deeper level by looking into a microscope or under a jeweler’s loupe. Most natural diamonds have varying characteristics, as mentioned above. Similar to an individual’s fingerprint, these characteristics make the stone unique and help identify the diamond on a certification, but viewing the diamond in person is integral to ensuring your purchase is of value.</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><img src="/images/uploaded/SideBySide.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="344" /></p> <p> </p> <p>Here is an internet shopper comparison. This milky stone was advertised as a 2ct SI1 (slightly included), H (color) XXX GIA (polish, symmetry, and cut), no fluorescence. However, in the "comments" section it stated: "internal graining and clouds". It is sitting next to a diamond that is rated exactly the same, without those additional characteristics listed in the comments.</p> <p>When comparing two similar diamonds on paper (meaning measuring the statistics of the details of each of the diamonds), one might use only those measurements listed in cut, color, clarity, and carat weight or be misled by claims like a stone being free of fluorescence. This leads shoppers into thinking they had an “aha bargain” moment. However, the devil is in the details, or in this case, "the comments", especially when the word "graining" or "clouds" are mentioned.</p> <p>It is important to note, graining, clouds, or fluorescence should never, never, never be considered unacceptable. When dealing with a stone with fluorescence, it doesn’t mean that the stone is destined to be cloudy. Occasional fluorescence is a natural occurrence. This is a perfect example of why you have to see the diamond "live" when shopping. Simply stated, diamonds that jewelers reject find their way somewhere else. All you have to do is click your mouse. Please take the time to reliably check your diamond purchase. You want to be proud to wear and pass on a generational diamond. After all, diamonds are forever…</p> urn:store:1:blog:post:57 https://www.distinctivegold.com/be-still-my-beating-heart Be still my beating heart... <p> </p> <p><img src="/images/uploaded/diamondHeartEars.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="300" /></p> <p>Diamonds are a girl’s best friend. We agree!</p> <p>If you are at a loss for what to give her for Valentine’s Day OR you want to choose your own gift, then tell him what he got you. (Smart idea) Here are a couple of suggestions, neither of which requires knowing a size. I’m the same size earrings and necklace as in high school…so are YOU!</p> urn:store:1:blog:post:55 https://www.distinctivegold.com/wedding-rings-of-steel-for-your-man-of-steel Wedding rings of steel for your man of steel <p><img src="/images/uploaded/black rings.jpg" alt="" width="441" height="441" /></p> <p> </p> <p>Planning your wedding this coming year? We women know the size, the shape, the type of rings we want. Guys really don’t even know if they want to wear a wedding ring! How about Tungsten? A man’s type of material.</p> <p>Triton makes great ring designs for the guys in Tungsten! Men don’t have just silver, gold or platinum to choose from any more. Tungsten is the new masculine choice as a wedding band. Not only stunning in design, but the strength of steel!</p> <p>you are a magnet and I am steel</p> <p>#tritonjewelry, #originalmetalring and #tritoncustom</p> urn:store:1:blog:post:56 https://www.distinctivegold.com/with-all-my-heart With All My Heart <p><img src="/images/uploaded/filigree and solid Chamilia hearts.jpg" alt="" width="193" height="197" /></p> <p> </p> <p>Rumor has it that the retailers invented Valentine’s Day to boost sales after Christmas. Legend has it, the martyred St. Valentine healed his jailer’s daughter and on the day of his death, wrote a note to her signed “your Valentine”. It became romantic around Chaucer’s time in the 14th century. It wasn’t until the 18th century in England that it evolved into a day to express one’s love with confectionery and cards.</p> <p>In Europe, keys are given to lovers to unlock the giver’s heart. What will you give to display the holding of your heart?</p> <p>The lore of Rose Quartz worn touching your skin is supposed to bring your love to you. It's the stone of unconditional love.</p> <p>rose quartz valentines special $59</p> urn:store:1:blog:post:54 https://www.distinctivegold.com/januaryoh-january-birthdays January...oh January Birthdays <p><strong>January… oh January birthdays!!</strong></p> <p>Looking for a gift that builds memories and covers that birthstone for the month of January? We have Chamilia charms that fit that bill. Jewelry is an emotional thing. Giving a gift for a significant occasion, such as a birthday, creates that memory. Every time they wear that item, they know when and why they received it. Ask anybody who owns a Chamilia bracelet, they can tell you a story for each charm. Create her story with a charm! Tell the tale of Garnet in a note with the charm.</p> <p>If your birthday is in the month of January, you have the Garnet group as your birthstone. That’s right I said group! YOU have the choice of almost every color! Even, a color-change blue!</p> <p>The traditional color for January is beautiful, stunning, true red. Red, the color of love!</p> <p>According to the Bible, in the book of Exodus, the breastplate of Aaron has a setting of stones, even four rows: the first row shall be a sardius, a topaz, and a carbuncle. A carbuncle is an ancient term for what was probably a ruby or a garnet.</p> urn:store:1:blog:post:51 https://www.distinctivegold.com/cushion-cut-diamond Cushion Cut Diamond <p><img src="/images/uploaded/CushionCutShape1a_preview.jpeg.jpg" alt="" width="480" height="360" /></p> <p> </p> <p>This diamond shape harks back to the nineteenth century, even though it looks up to date and very modern. For more than 70 years until the turn of the 20th century this was simply how diamonds were cut! The cushion was one of the most popular cuts of diamonds EVER! It was originally known as the “old mine cut”, a square shape with rounded corners. It resembles a pillow shape. It was named after the Brazilian mines, which after the discovery in South Africa, became known as the old mines.</p> <p>The number of facets originally was 58, while the modern cushion we know has 64 facets. As with a lot of cuts, more facets can be added to slightly change the look from the standard traditional cut. Cushions are a little less brilliant (white light -sparkle!) than a round brilliant diamond, but are more dispersive (spectral colors- fire).</p> <p>There are two patterns of cushion cuts classified by GIA, Cushion Brilliant and Modified Cushion Brilliant (which has an extra row of facets just below the girdle). The Modified Cushion Brilliant often has exceptional sparkle; exhibiting the “crushed ice” look of a well cut radiant diamond. Wow! What a look in an engagement ring, sparkle and fire! A little headlight from across the room!</p> <p>Some of the world’s most famous diamonds happen to be cushion cut, for example, the Hope Diamond and the Regent Diamond. There has been an increase in demand starting about ten years ago and a large surge in popularity since the Bachelor TV series highlighted a 2.07 carat cushion on the show.</p> <p>This shape diamond lends itself to a wonderful look for an engagement ring with a diamond halo. They can be cut square or rectangular. Are you ready for your bachelor to propose with a cushion?</p> urn:store:1:blog:post:52 https://www.distinctivegold.com/princess-cut-diamond Princess Cut Diamond <p> <img src="/images/uploaded/PrinCutDia1a_preview.jpeg.jpg" alt="" width="453" height="340" /></p> <p>For those of you who love a clean and modern shape, you will love a princess cut. Looking down on the crown (face) of a princess cut, it looks square, but then if you flip it over to the bottom (pavilion), it looks like the shape of a pyramid, with the beveled sides. Again, referencing the marquise, the pear, and the oval shape, the face-up value is bigger than other shape cuts. To be technical, princess cuts can also be referred to as a square modified brilliant cut. This shape is the second most popular shape of diamond cuts with round brilliant being the first. Remember the cut rating of any stone is important. Excellent to very good is what you want to go for in any shape you choose.</p> <p>The name “princess cut” was originally associated with another cut, known as the “profile cut”. It was created by Arpad Nagy, a London stone cutter, in 1961. After some more optical research, some other cutters made it more popular in the 1980s. The cutting on a princess cut is unique and different from that of a round brilliant. It generally has 58 facets like a round brilliant but, that is where the similarity ends. The pavilion of the stone is cut so that the facets are wider toward the culet (point on the pavilion) and narrower toward the girdle (separation between the crown and the pavilion) just the opposite of a round brilliant.</p> <p>It got its start or origins in an early “French” cut having a step-modified cut crown and a series of unique, chevron-shaped facets in the pavilion which when combined, give a distinct cross-shaped reflection when you look down through the table facet of the crown. This can have a significant meaning to some, when purchasing an engagement ring for celebrating life together! The number of chevrons will affect the overall look of a princess cut diamond. The more chevrons on the pavilion, it breaks down the individual facets into a “crushed ice” look. This sea of sparkling-facets-look along with the name…princess cut makes it a draw for a lot of women. Who would turn down being a princess?!</p> <p>As with the marquise and pear cuts, with sharp pointed corners, they must be protected from damage by utilizing V-shaped tips or prongs that will protect those corners, possibly even channel setting. Some ring designs, when using princess cuts can be protected by channel setting or invisibly set stones. Princess cuts make wonderful earrings or anniversary eternity bands. Think about that significant year anniversary gift!</p> <p>There are no rules to mixing shapes! Going for scintillation and fire but love, love, love the idea of the ‘secret’ cross for your engagement ring? Pick a round brilliant with channel set princess stones down the shank of the ring. You could make your wedding band channel set/invisibly set princess cuts. Or vice versa! A princess cut as your center stone and round brilliants down the shank. Make your ring unique! Make it YOURS, not the same design you see everywhere.</p> urn:store:1:blog:post:53 https://www.distinctivegold.com/welcome-2018-the-year-of-ultra-violet Welcome 2018!! The year of Ultra Violet! <p><img src="/images/uploaded/Amthyst_preview.jpeg.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="300" /></p> <p> </p> <p>The color of the year for 2018 is Ultra Violet. This beautiful purple has been chosen by the Pantone Color Institute. It is Pantone 18-3838 Ultra Violet for those techies out there.</p> <p>The color allows you to match dresses with shoes, and paint colors with fabrics. Also, for those of us that love gemstones, coordinate with our jewelry as well. So, come on in to Distinctive Gold and check out the purple gemstones! We have Amethyst rings in 14kt gold on sale, come and see these beautiful, colorful stones!</p> <p>As a very astute woman asked me once…Do you dress and then chose your jewelry? Or do you choose your jewelry and then your clothes to go with that? Hmmm…</p> urn:store:1:blog:post:48 https://www.distinctivegold.com/oval-shaped-diamonds Oval Shaped Diamonds <p><img src="/images/uploaded/oval.jpg" alt="" width="455" height="341" /></p> <p> </p> <p>In our quest for the perfect shaped diamond, I will be giving you the highlights of many shapes! An oval shape gives you that wonderful larger face-up look. Technically it is called an ‘oval modified brilliant’ cut. Oooh you say! I can get the brilliance, scintillation (sparkle!), and fire of a round brilliant but, it faces up a little bigger? Nice! This cut was invented by Lazare Kaplan in the early ‘60s. I’m going to name drop here, he is a cousin to Marcel Tolkowsky, who came up with the mathematical formula for the proportions of the standard round brilliant cut. The oval is cut in the 58 facet brilliant pattern. But, it can be cut with a few more facets on the pavilion.</p> <p>This shape creates a fantastic solitaire engagement ring in a setting that you can place a halo around or maybe a two step halo. This gives you the Wow affect! Think about using colored diamonds as the accents down the shank or as the halo… even black diamonds! I used black diamonds in the halo around my white round brilliant. It created incredible fire! An oval creates a slenderizing effect on the finger due to the shape.</p> <p>In the last shape, marquise, we touched on the “bow-tie” effect. In any shaped diamond that the width of the stone is narrower than the length you may see this effect: Marquise, Oval or Pear. The cutter needs to diminish this “bow-tie” to make the brilliance of the stone come through. This is the case with an oval; it needs to have an excellent cut in order to diminish any “bow-tie” effect.</p> <p>An oval is a wonderful choice as a center stone that you are going to set side stones next to it. It makes a great three stone anniversary ring choice. Your center “present” if you will is the oval, while your past and your future are rounds or smaller ovals.</p> urn:store:1:blog:post:49 https://www.distinctivegold.com/pear-shaped-diamonds Pear Shaped Diamonds <p> </p> <p><img src="/images/uploaded/PearSolo1.jpg" alt="" width="480" height="360" /></p> <p> </p> <p>The pear shape is one of my personal favorite shapes. The technical name for this shape is the pear shaped modified brilliant cut. It can be referred to as a tear drop, pendeloque shape or pear. The pear is a combination of a round brilliant and a marquise brilliant cut and usually has the 58 facet brilliant pattern. Although, it can have more facets cut into the pavilion (bottom).</p> <p>In the shape, marquise, we touched on the “bow-tie” effect. In any shaped diamond that the width of the stone is narrower than the length you may see this effect: Marquise, Oval or Pear. The cutter needs to diminish this “bow-tie” to make the brilliance of the stone come through. This is the case with the pear shape; it needs to have an excellent cut in order to diminish any “bow-tie” effect. It also needs that V-shaped protection on the point of the stone.</p> <p>You get the wonderful brilliance (remember from my other articles, the small headlight comment?) and the intense fire of a round brilliant, in a unique shape that will have people grabbing your hand and saying WoW! Let me see your engagement ring! No matter what carat weight you purchase! This is a truly unique cut you won’t see all over the place. You can make this shape into your engagement ring and add diamonds down the shank, maybe even a split shank making the look balanced. Don’t forget about the gallery of the ring, it’s the part of the ring you see when you make a fist or have your hand down; round brilliant stones would do nicely.</p> <p>There is a lore with the pear shape that if you wear the point out it sends out your energy. Point in and you receive energy. Try it either way, but pointing towards the fingernail gives a slimming effect. Remember there is no right or wrong, look at it on your hand, and wear it the way you want to see it.</p> <p>Some of the world’s largest and most famous diamonds are cut in this shape. A few examples are the famous DeBeers Millennium Star, a flawless, pear-shaped diamond weighing 203 carats; the 69 carat pear that Burton gave to Taylor. The famous Cora Sun-Drop diamond is the largest known yellow pear shaped diamond weighing 110.3 carats. My small Fancy Light Yellow pear pales in comparison, but I still love it! The cool part (history of a stone is called provenance) is it was cut by the same cutter, Gabi Tolkowsky, that cut the Centenary Diamond, it was set by Distinctive Gold. So, you may ask what direction is my pear facing….sideways!</p> urn:store:1:blog:post:50 https://www.distinctivegold.com/radiant-cut-diamonds Radiant Cut Diamonds <p><img src="/images/uploaded/RadCut2.jpg" alt="" width="471" height="353" /></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p>A radiant cut is considered a fancy cut; all diamond cuts other than a round brilliant carry this title. We love fancy right ladies?!</p> <p>The radiant cut diamond was originated around 20 years ago. It is the first rectangular cut to have complete brilliant faceting on both the crown (top) and the pavilion (bottom), thus giving it a more dazzling look than the emerald cut. You still have the outside shape of the emerald cut, but the brilliance and the fire of a round brilliant. Marrying the best of the two shapes! What an extraordinary cut for your engagement ring!</p> <p>The most common facet pattern of a radiant has 62 facets, but some could have as many as 70 facets. A radiant cut makes a wonderful center stone for an engagement ring. It can also be used in a lovely three stone configuration anniversary ring as well.</p> <p>Remember the “bow-tie” effect? Any stone that has uneven width to length dimensions you want to watch out for this. You need to watch for this in the rectangular shaped radiant. The bow-tie effect will detract from the overall brilliance of this cut. An excellent cut and polish will eliminate or diminish this issue.</p> <p>The radiant cut is truly a stunning cut! You will get that small headlight look from across the room, but yet have the elegance and sophistication of the rectangular shape. Another diamond shape that women will say to their friends in a whisper, “did you see that ring?”</p> <p>This cut is fantastic for colored diamonds! Radiant cuts intensify the color! Think yellow, blue, how about champagne?</p> <p> </p> <p><img src="/images/uploaded/RadCut2 (1).jpg" alt="" width="483" height="362" /></p> urn:store:1:blog:post:47 https://www.distinctivegold.com/twelve-days-of-chamilia Twelve Days of Chamilia <p>Let it snow! Cozy fires, warm whipped coffee drinks, you and your love together. Great pieces of jewelry can create memories of those good times. Whether it’s Christmas or Hanukkah, you can give wonderful memories. Chamilia charms are the perfect add on gift to accentuate a holiday or a journey, even if its life’s journey. They are great memory pieces!</p> <p>Let it bubble!! Right now Distinctive Gold Jewelry in Frankfort, has partnered with Peace Love and Potions to add to the luxury of a Chamilia purchase. We’re kicking off the season with Let it Bauble! With every two charm purchase you will receive a bar of handmade soap that has a secret surprise inside! (Who doesn’t love a surprise in the tree, because in the bar there is a Chamilia charm). This luxurious natural soap has the fragrances of peppermint or spearmint, which will remind you of the holiday season. It’s made with olive oil, coconut oil and Shea butter with essential oils. Kelly’s shop, Peace Love and Potions, is in the northern part of Lower Michigan, we all love the vacations there right? The woodsy smells, the relaxation we get. Well, her soaps will remind you of that comforting feeling and you get another (!!) Chamilia charm. Boy, that bracelet’s getting filled up pretty quick!</p> urn:store:1:blog:post:46 https://www.distinctivegold.com/the-soap-bauble The Soap Bauble <p>Let it snow! Cozy fires, warm whipped coffee drinks, you and your love together. Great pieces of jewelry can create memories of those good times. Whether it’s Christmas or Hanukkah, you can give wonderful memories. Chamilia charms are the perfect add on gift to accentuate a holiday or a journey, even if its life’s journey. They are great memory pieces!</p> <p>Let it bubble!! Right now Distinctive Gold Jewelry in Frankfort, has partnered with Peace Love and Potions to add to the luxury of a Chamilia purchase. We’re kicking off the season with Let it Bauble! With every two charm purchase you will receive a bar of handmade soap that has a secret surprise inside! (Who doesn’t love a surprise in the tree, because in the bar there is a Chamilia charm). This luxurious natural soap has the fragrances of peppermint or spearmint, which will remind you of the holiday season. It’s made with olive oil, coconut oil and Shea butter with essential oils. Kelly’s shop, Peace Love and Potions, is in the northern part of Lower Michigan, we all love the vacations there right? The woodsy smells, the relaxation we get. Well, her soaps will remind you of that comforting feeling and you get another (!!) Chamilia charm. Boy, that bracelet’s getting filled up pretty quick!</p> urn:store:1:blog:post:45 https://www.distinctivegold.com/the-marquise-shape The Marquise Shape <p><img src="/images/uploaded/Marq1.jpg" alt="" width="507" height="380" /></p> <p> </p> <p>Marquise Shape Also known as the navette (little ship in French) is making a comeback in the engagement ring world. It was very popular in the seventies and eighties. This shape was wildly popular due to the “face up” look size wise of this cut. <br /> Place a 1 carat marquise next to a 1 carat round brilliant cut and the marquise looks much bigger. And I speak from experience from this comparison, my best friend in the seventies had the same carat weight ring in a marquise as my round brilliant and hers looked like an ice skating rink! The marquise shape accentuates a long slender look on the ring finger. The table facet is what makes the look of this cut. Let’s explain the importance of the table facet, it gathers light from above and reflects it back to the observer or directs it into the diamond’s interior. This vintage cut features 56 facets and an elliptical shape that culminates in points. These points must be protected by V-shaped tips; this is a delicate part of this shape. If you compared it to a round brilliant cut, which has 57-58 facets, it is similar in facet count. Keep in mind the scintillation of a round brilliant that you may not get in the marquise. The difference is that the table is much larger in a marquise than a round brilliant. There is a drawback to this shape, if not cut well, it’s called the bow-tie effect. It happens in the center of the gem where you will see a darkening (loss of brilliance) shaped just like a bow tie!</p> <p>The marquise cut dates back to around the 18th century when King Louis XV of France commissioned a jeweler to design a cut that resembled, as the story goes, the lips of his mistress, Jean Antoinette Poisson! She was the Marchioness Madame de Pompadour. Marquise refers to a hereditary rank below a duke but above that of a count. It gradually morphed into the shape we recognize today.</p> urn:store:1:blog:post:44 https://www.distinctivegold.com/great-cuts-great-polish-great-design-the-lucére-cut Great cuts, Great polish, Great design: The Lucére Cut <p>What we're talking about is diamond design. There are some spectacular diamond cuts that bring out the best of brightness (white light) and fire (spectral colors). These are not just the standard cuts that have been around for many, many years.</p> <p>Cutters have been able to bring more scintillation (sparkle!) out of a stone with more facets or combining styles of facets. Most women want more sparkle, they want people to grab their hand and say WOW! What a ring!</p> <p><img src="/images/uploaded/lucere-cut-min.jpg" alt="" width="611" height="493" /></p> <p>The one I’m going to focus on in this article is the Lucére cut. A great diamond ring, engagement or cocktail, should be like a small headlight that you can see across the room. When you are choosing a diamond, remember the 4 Cs! Just looking for a huge diamond that isn’t cut or polished correctly will not achieve that WOW factor! Proportion the stone to your hand. If you want more bling, add diamonds at the side of the main diamond and down the shank or in the gallery (the portion of the ring that you see when you make a fist) on the ring.</p> <p>Because the Lucére has a greater depth than other square cut stones, it makes it a smaller size for the comparable carat weight. (if you compare a round brilliant to a Lucére) This depth pays off in the superior return of light (brightness) of this diamond. Remember the small headlight comment? This diamond will give exceptional brilliance and dispersion a.k.a. fire. That’s the ultimate goal in wearing a diamond, we want exceptional! We want the WOW factor! The diagram I included shows that the Lucére has a step cut on the crown and a pavilion that is cut similar to the round brilliant cut to accentuate the sparkle. We love sparkle!!</p> <p>Now, place this exceptional cut diamond in an exceptional setting, possibly with a square halo surrounding it and with diamonds down a split shank….the fire from that ring will be phenomenal.</p> <p>A ring that daughters and granddaughters will argue about who inherits the ring, a ring that you wore and marveled at your entire life.</p> urn:store:1:blog:post:43 https://www.distinctivegold.com/getting-engaged-the-history-you-should-know Getting engaged? The history you should know. <p><strong><img src="/images/uploaded/ERHistory.jpg" alt="" width="635" height="366" /></strong></p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Getting engaged? The history you should know.</strong><br />If you’re thinking about popping the question and Valentine’s Day is your target date, you’re in good company! It is one of the most popular days to get engaged. According to social media, the most popular day is Christmas Eve, the next New Year’s Eve, then Valentine’s Day. The most popular timeframe is from November to February.</p> <p><strong>Background of the Engagment Ring</strong><br />Gentlemen you may blame Archduke Maximilian of Austria in 1477 with the diamond engagement ring purchase! He gave Mary of Burgundy the first diamond engagement ring. This influenced high society and the wealthy to do the same.</p> <p>During the Great Depression, the price of diamonds collapsed. In 1939 DeBeers conducted a marketing campaign to educate the public about the 4 Cs (cut, carats, color, and clarity). In 1947 the slogan “a diamond is forever” was introduced. DeBeers was successful in persuading the public that a diamond was the only acceptable stone for an engagement ring.</p> <p>Again, blaming royalty, the betrothal of Charles to Diana and the display of the gorgeous engagement ring of sapphire surrounded by diamonds was shown around the world, sapphires became very fashionable. The same affect happened again when that same famous ring was given in betrothal to Kate Middleton.</p> <p>Learn more about the History of the Modern Engagement Ring, and don't forget about that wedding band!</p> <p><strong>Short History of Wedding Rings</strong><br />The history of placing a ring on the fourth finger on the left hand begins before medical science discovered how the circulatory system functioned. People believed that a vein ran directly from that finger on the left hand to the heart. By wearing a ring on this finger it symbolized a couple’s eternal love for one another.</p> <p>Western cultures a wedding ring is traditionally worn on the ring finger. This tradition stems from the Roman’s “annulus pronubus” (marriage ring) when a man gave a woman a ring at a betrothal ceremony. Blessing the ring dates from the 11th century. In medieval Europe, the Christian wedding ceremony placed the ring in sequence on the thumb, index, middle and then the ring fingers of the left hand. I have heard the story of pronouncing the blessing of “In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, amen”; as the ring moves from thumb to ring finger.</p> <p>In Turkey, Lebanon, Syria, and Brazil the ring is worn on the right hand until the actual wedding day when it is placed on the left.</p> <p>In Jewish traditions the marriage ring is placed on the right index finger, but other traditions record it being put on the middle finger or the thumb. The ring must belong to the groom and be of uninterrupted gold with no breaks in it. Today, the ring is moved to the ring finger after the ceremony. Grooms don’t generally wear a wedding ring, although more and more are doing so today.</p> <p>In Sinhala and Tamil culture the bridge wears the ring on the left hand and the groom on the right. Learn more about the Early History of the Wedding Ring.</p> urn:store:1:blog:post:42 https://www.distinctivegold.com/january-birthstones-garnet January Birthstones - Garnet <p><strong><img src="/images/uploaded/Garnet-blog.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="203" /></strong></p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Traditional Birthstone: Garnet</strong><br /><strong>Modern Birthstones: Moss Agate, Opal, or Sugilite</strong><br /><strong>January Birthstone - Garnet</strong><br />Garnets aren’t just the dark red of your Grandmother’s jewelry. They come in a rich palette of colors: greens, oranges, pinkish oranges, deeply saturated purplish reds, and even some blues with color change.</p> <p>Thousands of years ago, red garnets adorned Egyptian Pharaohs; Romans used them as signet rings to seal important documents. In the 1500s there was a discovery of Bohemian garnet deposits which adorned jewelry until the late 1800s. Since then, red garnets have fallen out of favor, they are generally less valued. That being said, most people are unaware that Pyrope garnets (red) color can rival ruby’s red!</p> <p>Rhodolite Garnet was first discovered in the United States, in North Carolina to be exact. This is the most valuable of the red garnets. It has a lovely, vibrant purplish red hue. It can range from a purplish raspberry red to a light reddish purple.</p> <p>There are more than twenty garnet species; some are the most valuable gems in the market place. Russians discovered Demantoid garnets (green) in the Ural Mountains in the mid-1800s.This Russian garnet has an interesting inclusion, called a horsetail. Horsetails are not found in any other green stones and since horsetail inclusions can increase Russian Demantoid’s value, cutters strive to display them. These garnets have a higher dispersion than a diamond! Czar Nicholas II commissioned his finest artists to create elaborate jewelry for his wife. Carl Faberge’s pieces for the Russian royal family have Demantoid garnets in them. A 4ct, oval cut Russian Demantoid at auction in 1998 went for $48,000. At that time $4,000 was considered a high price for a Demantoid.</p> <p>Tsavorite garnet discovered in the 1960s is one of today’s most important green gemstones. Because of its growth structure, almost 85 percent of all Tsavorite rough yield cut stones of less than a carat. The green color is comparative with emerald, it is less included and more durable and seldom treated, so the color it is in the ground is the color you see in your jewelry.</p> <p>Spessartite Garnets were discovered in the 1960s, they can range in color from yellowish orange through bright orange (like a popular soft drink), to an “aurora” red which is highly saturated, slightly reddish- orange hue. A great colored orange garnet will disappear in a dish of that popular soda.</p> <p>According to the Bible, in the book of Exodus, the breastplate of Aaron has a setting of stones, even four rows: the first row shall be a sardius, a topaz, and a carbuncle. A carbuncle is an ancient term for what was probably a ruby or a garnet.</p> <p>Garnet is believed to aid blood, heart and lungs and is thought to promote romantic love, passion, sensuality, and intimacy. So, if you were thinking that your January birthstone is dull and unassuming, think again!</p> urn:store:1:blog:post:71 https://www.distinctivegold.com/diamond-batteries-nuclear-waste-to-power Diamond Batteries - Nuclear Waste to Power <p><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Diamonds for Power? Who knew!?</span></strong></p> <p>We all love carbon, well if it's been under high pressure and high temperature (and has our 4 favorite C's) a.k.a. a diamond! What if we could create a diamond that produces electricity? Well we can! Unlike typical synthetic diamonds, these man-made diamonds are produced from nuclear waste from power plants. These diamonds generate an electrical current when placed in a radioactive field. VÓILA! A nuclear powered diamond battery. For it to be used safely, a layer of non-radioactive diamond (carbon) would surround the first layer, creating a safe and useful diamond. This layer absorbs dangerous radiation and creates more electricity. Only a tiny bit of radiation can be detected on the outside of the carbon-coated diamond. How much radiation? Less radiation than a banana!</p> <p>Since the shelf life of the nuclear waste (carbon-14) takes thousands of years to decay, we would have loads of power from these diamonds until the year 7746. Keep in mind; diamonds are the hardest substance known to man making it a more safe (and a beautiful) choice of a battery. What a great, safe way to utilize the carbon-14?! Check out the video from the University of Bristol for more information. And pardon me, while I go drive my diamond powered car! #DiamondBattery</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/b6ME88nMnYE" width="425" height="350" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p> urn:store:1:blog:post:41 https://www.distinctivegold.com/december-birthstones-3s-company December Birthstones - 3's Company <p> </p> <p><strong><img src="/images/uploaded/December.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="300" /></strong></p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Traditional Birthstones: Turquoise and Zircon</strong><br /><strong>Modern Birthstones: Tanzanite</strong><br /><strong>December's Birthstone: Turquoise, Zircon &amp; Tanzanite</strong><br />Turquoise is found in only a few places on earth: dry and barren regions where acidic, copper-rich groundwater seeps downward and reacts with minerals that contain phosphorus and aluminum. The color is, of course, turquoise, but this color actually varies from very green blue to light sky blue shades. The most-prized turquoise color is an even, intense, medium blue, but some people prefer a greenish blue. Where the turquoise forms can create matrix, some dark brown, some tan, these resemble splotches or veins. Some people actually prefer the presence of matrix. The most expensive and preferred turquoise is with no matrix, the second is known as spiderweb turquoise, thin, delicate, web-like patterns across the face of the gemstone.</p> <p>A sacred stone for the North American Indians, as well as, the Tibetans, it is often used by shamans in rituals and ceremonies. Turquoise is among the oldest known gemstones- it has been mined since 3,200 BC. It graced the necks of Egyptian Pharaohs and adorned the ceremonial dress of early Native Americans. It is said to promote mental and spiritual clarity and expansion to enhance wisdom, trust, kindness, understanding and even good luck.</p> <p>Special care is required for turquoise regardless of whether or not it is enhanced. A porous gemstone, turquoise can absorb anything it touches. Avoid contact with cosmetics, perfumes, skin oil, acids, and other chemicals. Avoid dehydrating it or exposing it to heat.</p> <p><strong>Blue Zircon Characteristics and History</strong><br />Zircon is an underrated gem that’s often confused with synthetic cubic zirconia due to similar names and shared use as diamond simulants. Few people realize that zircon is a spectacular natural gem available in a variety of colors. The name zircon likely comes from the Persian word zargun, meaning “gold-colored.” Others trace it to the Arabic zarkun, meaning “vermillion.” Given its wide range of colors – spanning red, orange, yellow, green, blue and brown, as well as, clear – both origins make sense. Zircon from Australia dates back 4.4 billion years. Since the Middle Ages, people have believed that zircon can induce sleep, ward off evil and promote prosperity, honor and wisdom.</p> <p>Zircon jewelry should be stored carefully because although this ancient gem is hard, facets can abrade and chip. Clean with mild dish soap: use a toothbrush to scrub behind the stone where dust can collect.</p> <p><strong>Modern Birthstone - Tanzanite</strong><br />Tanzanite is a new addition as a birthstone for December. Named for Tanzania, the country where it was discovered in 1967, by Tiffany &amp; Co. It is found in only one place on earth, near majestic Kilimanjaro. Legend has it that tanzanite was first discovered when some brown gemstone crystals lying on the dry earth were caught in a fire set by lightning that swept through the grass-covered hills. The Masai herders driving cattle in the area noticed the beautiful blue color and picked the crystals up, becoming the first tanzanite collectors. They originally were thought to be a new find of sapphire. It has at times rivaled the Big 3 in popularity. It was so hot; that in 2002, it was the first gemstone to be added to the birthstone list, since 1912.</p> urn:store:1:blog:post:40 https://www.distinctivegold.com/message-from-lisa-after-25-years-at-dgj Message From Lisa after 25 Years at DGJ <p>Where has the time gone? 25 years ago, at the age of 18 I started working for DGJ. I didn't know much about jewelry or anything at that point . I was scared but very eager to learn . I have had the pleasure of working for some of the finest people in our industry, Maria, Joe, Tony, and Suzanne D'Ortenzio. I am who I am today because of the guidance you have given me over the years. As far as all of my past and present coworkers, I love all of you and it has been an absolute blast working with you.</p> <p>To all of our DGJ customers. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your lives precious moments from engagements, anniversaries, baptisms and birthdays. It was a pleasure to help you find that something "perfect". Thank you for the opportunity, it means the world to me .</p> <p>DGJ isn't just about jewelry or a store. It's about family. A very fine woman 43 years ago made that clear. Treat everyone how you want to be treated in every aspect of life.</p> <p>Thank you. I appreciate each and every one of you. Here's to the next 25!!!!</p> <p>- Lisa</p> urn:store:1:blog:post:39 https://www.distinctivegold.com/novembers-birthstone-topaz-citrine November's Birthstone: Topaz & Citrine <p> </p> <p><strong><img src="/images/uploaded/Citrine.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="300" /></strong></p> <p><strong>Traditional Birthstones: Topaz and Citrine</strong><br /><strong>Modern Birthstones: Apache Tear/Obsidian </strong><br /><strong>November's Birthstone: Topaz &amp; Citrine</strong><br />Most experts agree the name Topaz is from Topazios, an ancient Greek name for St. John’s Island in the Red Sea. Others say it is from a word that means “fire” in an ancient Indian language. For centuries, topaz was associated with the color yellow. People assumed that all yellow gemstones were topaz, and that all topaz was yellow. Today we know it occurs in a broad color range that includes various tones and saturations of red, pink, purple, yellow, orange, and brown, as well as blue and green. Blue Topaz, although increasingly abundant, very rarely occurs naturally and is often caused by irradiation treatment. Topaz can also be colorless. Red and pink topaz varieties are rare, highly cherished, and very valuable.</p> <p>Topaz is known for its calming energies, bringing warmth and fortune to those who wear it. It is said to calm tempers, cure madness and eliminate nightmares. Topaz and citrine look so similar, in fact, that they’ve often been mistaken for one another throughout history. They are actually unrelated minerals. Pure topaz is colorless, but it can become tinted by impurities to take on any color of the rainbow. The most prized color is Imperial Topaz, which features a vibrant orange hue with pink undertones.</p> <p><strong>Charachteristics of Citrine</strong><br />Citrine is the variety of quartz that ranges from pale yellow to brownish orange in color. Citrine is derived from an old French word citrin, which means “yellow”. It takes its name from the citron fruit because of these lemon-inspired shades. Citrine’s yellow hues are caused by traces of iron in quartz crystals. This occurs rarely in nature, so most citrine on the market is made by heat treating other varieties of quartz-usually the more common, less expensive purple amethyst and smoky quartz-to produce golden gems.</p> <p>Throughout history, people believed that citrine carried the same powers as topaz, including the ability to calm tempers, soothe anger and manifest desires, especially prosperity. To leverage these powers, Egyptians used citrine gems as talismans, the ancient Greeks carved iconic images into them, and Roman priests fashioned them into rings. It is also known as the “healing quartz” for its ability to comfort, soothe and calm. It can release negative feelings, spark imagination and manifest fresh beginnings. It’s even called the “merchant’s stone” for its tendency to attract wealth and prosperity.</p> urn:store:1:blog:post:38 https://www.distinctivegold.com/october-a-tale-of-two-birthstones October - A Tale of Two Birthstones <p><strong><img src="/images/uploaded/Opal.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="300" /></strong></p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Traditional Birthstones: Opal and Pink Tourmaline</strong><br /><strong>Modern Birthstones: Lapis Lazuli, Opal or Peridot</strong><br /><strong>Opal’s Characterisitics</strong><br />Opal’s shifting play of kaleidoscopic colors is unlike any other gem. Fine opal’s beauty is elusive and challenging to capture in words. It has been compared to fireworks, jellyfish, galaxies, lightning and volcanoes. In ancient Rome, this gem symbolized love and hope. They gave it a name – opalus- that was synonymous with “precious stone.” In 75 AD, the Roman scholar Pliny observed, “Some opali carry such a play within them that they equal the deepest and richest colors of painter. Others…simulate the flaming fire of burning sulphur…and even the bright blaze of burning oil.”</p> <p>It is interesting that the same gem that’s capable of inspiring such awe is also a mainstream offering of modest value. Its wide availability makes the calibrated white opal cabochon perhaps the most familiar phenomenal gem. At the same time, a rare top-quality black opal’s remarkable beauty makes it truly phenomenal, a treasure that rivals the Big 3—ruby, emerald and sapphire—in allure. You have multiple choices in opal: white opal, black opal, fire opal-red to orangey red, sometimes yellow (might or might not show play-of-color) and common opal without play-of-color (pink or blue). If you are lucky enough to have this as your birthstone, you have many choices in color!</p> <p>Opals, like June's birthstone the pearl, should not be stored in air tight containers, e.g. lock boxes, safety deposit boxes. If they lose moisture, they will craze a fine network of cracks that resembles a spider’s web.</p> <p>There is much lore surrounding opal. Much of this tradition dates back to the beginnings of civilization, when jewelry was worn not only as adornment but, also as protection against occult forces and human foolishness. Blonde women were known to wear necklaces of opal in order to protect their hair from losing its color. Some cultures thought the effect of the opal on sight, could render the wearer invisible. Early races credited opal with magical qualities and traditionally, opal was said to aid its wearer in seeing limitless possibilities. It was believed to clarify by amplifying and mirroring feelings, buried emotions and desires. Medieval Europeans shunned opal because of its likeness to the eyes of several "evil" animals, such as cats. Fear of the Evil Eye, common to cultures the world over, was and remains especially acute in the Mediterranean. Simply defined, the term signifies a covetous or malicious glance meant to bring harm. Queen Victoria, however, did much to reverse the unfounded bad press. Queen Victoria became a lover of opal, kept a fine personal collection, and wore opals throughout her reign. To this day, you will hear that it is bad luck to purchase an opal for yourself or it must be surrounded in diamonds. (but then, everything looks good surrounded in diamonds right?!)</p> <p><strong>Characteristics of Tourmaline as a Birthstone</strong><br />This gem comes in a rainbow of hues, pink (the accepted color to represent October's birthstone), blue, high-end reds, and greens adorn the showrooms of designer jewelers. The breadth of this gem’s color range is unrivalled. Some history on tourmaline points to a Spanish conquistador who washed dirt from a green tourmaline crystal and confused the vibrant green gem with emerald. His confusion lived on until scientists recognized tourmaline as a distinct mineral species in the 1800s. Some rare species demonstrate stunning neon colors, such as a copper bearing tourmaline-Paraiba (trade name) pictured above.</p> <p>The name tourmaline comes from the Sinhalese (Sri Lanka) word turomalli which translates as, the stone of mixed colors. It’s a term Dutch merchants applied to the multicolored, water-worn pebbles that miners found in the gem gravels of Ceylon (now Sri Lanka). Ancient legend says that tourmaline is found in all colors because it traveled along a rainbow and gathered all the rainbow’s colors. Tourmaline is believed to strengthen the body and spirit, especially the nervous system, blood, and lymphs. It is also though to inspire creativity and was used extensively as a talisman by artists and writers. Some reference books state that tourmaline’s energy is believed by some healers to be best suited to males. Green tourmaline is believed to stimulate use in financial affairs.</p> urn:store:1:blog:post:37 https://www.distinctivegold.com/septembers-birthstone-sapphire September's Birthstone: Sapphire <p><strong>Traditional Birthstone: Sapphire</strong></p> <p><strong>Modern Birthstone: Jade, Jasper, or Moss Agate</strong> <br />The word “sapphire” when used alone, typically refers to the blue variety. Other colors, such as yellow, pink and orange, are termed “fancy sapphires”. Blue sapphire is a member of the mineral species corundum, which comes in virtually every color of the rainbow. Its sister stone is ruby, the red variety of corundum.</p> <p><strong>Sapphire's Color and Characteristics</strong><br />Blue sapphire is one of the most popular colored stones. Blue sapphire’s hues reflect the sky’s every shade, from blazing afternoon to velvety midnight. More consumers buy jewelry adorned with blue sapphires than with any other colored stone. US consumers buy about half of the blue sapphires on the world market. One factor that contributes to blue sapphire’s appeal is that, of the Big 3—ruby, sapphire, and emerald. Sapphire’s extraordinary durability is another characteristic that makes it desirable. Sapphire excels in hardness-- a 9 on the Moh’s scale of hardness, as well as, in toughness and stability. Its resistance to scratching and other damage makes it ideal for setting in jewelry that is worn every day.</p> <p><strong>The Sapphire throughout History</strong><br />Sapphire is listed in the second row of Aaron’s Breastplate. Historically, there are countless references to sapphires. The many biblical references to the stone include the Ten Commandments, which were given to Moses on tablets made of sapphire. Medieval Christians expanded on the biblical allegories with their uses of sapphires, and the stone came to be known as the “guiding stone” of kings and emperors. It has decorated the robes of royalty and clergy members for centuries. Traditionally, the gem symbolizes nobility, truth, sincerity, and faithfulness.</p> <p>The mystic Hildegard von Bingen believed it a powerful talisman against madness and demonic possession. It was also believed by some to cure the “madness of love.” For purposes of emotional healing, the blue sapphire is especially thought to bring to those who wear or carry it a sense of spiritual enlightenment and inner peace, also considered a very powerful antidepressant, used to treat certain types of mental illness. Sapphire bestows clarity, peace, and the kind of attitude adjustment necessary to fully enjoy the present moment, unencumbered by the issues of the past.</p> <p>Up until recently, the overwhelming favorite stone for engagement rings was not diamond, but sapphire! A great example from the British Crown jewels, Kate’s engagement ring.</p> urn:store:1:blog:post:36 https://www.distinctivegold.com/pokestop-and-park-near-distinctive-gold-jewelry-in-frankfort Pokestop and park near Distinctive Gold Jewelry in Frankfort <p> </p> <p><img src="/images/uploaded/PokestopDGJ.jpg" alt="" width="623" height="587" /></p> <p>Pokestops near frankfort il<br />For customers with kids that still have Pokemon Fever, we wanted to share the great Pokestop location near our jewelry store, as well as a great opportunity for your kids to stay engaged while you stop in at DGJ.</p> <p><strong>Our Pokestop in Frankfort, IL</strong><br />There is a park behind our jewelry store, the park is off of crystal lake way, and it has a few great Pokestops and Pokemon located there. As well as a great jungle gym, swings and more. One of the many Pokestops in Frankfort, IL, you can find some water type at the pond near the park, and normal types of Pokemon that have been found all around Frankfort.</p> <p>What gave us a great idea was that we found an Oddish actually in our store (see the pic). We will try and update with any great Pokemon we find at our store in Frankfort. However, we think we need some help to catch ‘em all!</p> <p><img src="/images/uploaded/Oddish Pokemon in Frankfort.jpg" alt="" width="640" height="858" /></p> <p>odds pokemon at DGJ in Frankfort</p> <p>We want to reward any of the trainers that catches a Pokemon in our store!</p> <p><strong>If you catch a Pokemon at DGJ in Frankfort, IL:</strong></p> <p>Take a picture of the Pokemon in our store<br />Share it with us in-store OR on our Facebook page<br />Get a FREE ring pop from us!<br />We are going to give a Ring-pop to any kid (trainer) that can catch one in our store. Now we know that PokemonGo is not just for kids, so we aren’t going to put any age limit on it. Aren’t we all kids at heart?</p> <p>So, stop on by and when you drop your watch off for repair or a cleaning for your engagement ring, don’t forget to stop at the Pokemon stop nearby and make sure your ‘trainer’ picks up some great (candy) jewelry too!</p> urn:store:1:blog:post:35 https://www.distinctivegold.com/the-august-birthstone-from-outer-space The August Birthstone from Outer Space! <p><img src="/images/uploaded/Peridot.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="300" /></p> <p> </p> <p>Found in lava, metorites and formed deep within the Earth's mantle, Peridot is one of the most intense birthstones. With it's green color and hue, this gem is said to cure nightmares and is traditionally given as a gift for a 15 year anniversary. The birthstone for August has been a top choice for jewelry since ancient times and continues to be today.</p> <p><strong>History of the Peridot</strong><br />The word 'peridot' (pear-ih-doe) comes from the Arabic word for gem - "faridat". Also known as the "Evenening Emerald", peridot is of a gentler and lime green hue. It is from a variety of mineral known as 'olivine' and is of igneous formation. It is formed deep within the Earth's mantle and is prospected and mined near lava and other volcanic activity making it a 'fiery' and passionate stone. Much of it's ancient lore revolves around this love and passion, and bringing good fortune to lovers and others for the year to come.</p> <p>The Egyptians, most notably Clepatra, would most likely be wearing the peridot instead of the emeralds that you may be picturing her in. Known to them as the "gem of the sun", it is found near Egypt and the Red Sea however it can be found all around the world. In the U.S. it can be found in the west and southern states, as well as Hawaii.</p> <p><strong>August's Birthstone Color</strong><br />Peridot gets its lime green or yellow-green color from the chemicals within it's make up. Peridot contains large amounts of iron and magnesium, resulting in the yellowish green colors you see. The iron is the true culprit for it's color and when peridot is formed, it is found in volcanic rocks called basalts, which are rich in these two elements.</p> <p>Although green gems are often thought to be associated with Emeralds, their are more than 4.5 billion peridot stones around the world. So maybe the new 'king of green' is the peridot?</p> <p><strong>The Birthstone from Outer Space</strong><br />Yes we made a 1950's horror movie reference, but the truth is that this gemstone has been found in the final frontier. First found in metorites that have fallen to Earth, this is one of the few gems that has been found in an extraterrestial fashion. This "alien" has been found on Mars and the moon as well.</p> <p>Furthermore, NASA has found this birthstone in the dust of a comets known as Tempel1 and Wild2. NASA sent a ship in early 2004 ironically called "Stardust" to collect samples from these comets. When the ship came back to Earth they found the comets contained the little green gem, but no little green men.</p> <p>So for all you with August birthdays, you are truly out of this world!</p> urn:store:1:blog:post:34 https://www.distinctivegold.com/july-birthstone-ruby July Birthstone: Ruby <p><img src="/images/uploaded/Ruby.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="300" /></p> <p> </p> <p>One of the most famous gemstones, the Ruby, is used to celebrate the July birthday. Ruby is one of the most well-known and versatile gems and can be found in many different jewelry pieces and more. Best known by its deep red color, the Ruby is second only to the diamond and moissanite in durability and hardness. A member of the corundum gem species, this birthstone has a lot of history and interest.</p> <p><strong>Color of the Ruby and Value</strong><br />Ruby is considered to be one of four different "precious gems". This would include diamond, sapphire, emerald and the ruby. While Rubies are made of the mineral 'corundum' so are sapphires and other gemstones. The main difference between these gemstones is the deep red colors in the ruby, although pink or red colors can be seen in sapphires as well. The distinct red color comes from the element of chromium.</p> <p><strong>Ruby vs. Pink Sapphire</strong><br />As we stated before, Sapphires and Rubies are very similar in composition and one of the more distinct and defining traits to tell the difference is their color. However, sapphire's too can come in a pink or reddish color and still be considered a sapphire and not a ruby. In general, corundum that is red or in shades of red/pink are considered rubies. However, in the U.S. there is a minimum threshold of color saturation for the gem to be called a ruby, otherwise it will be classified as a pink sapphire. This is one of the most argued and debated points within the jewelry industry of recent times.</p> <p><strong>Factors for Value and Price</strong><br />The main factor for the price of this birthstone is factored by the color. The deeper and more vibrant the red color, the larger the price of the ruby (all other factors remaining constant). The most sought after and highest valued color is described as the blood red or known as "pigeon blood" color (referring to the color of a white pigeon's eye, not it's actual blood). When the stone has too much purple or orange tones, it is usually referred to as a 'fancy sapphire' instead. The color is divided into three distinct elements:</p> <p><strong>Hue</strong> - this refers to the color in the most common sense of the word (such as the famous red hue and the 'purest form' of the color).<br /><strong>Saturation</strong> - the intensity of the hue or color (or how close it is to a 'pure red' or the pinkish color).<br /><strong>Tone</strong> - the shade of the stone (deeper red tones).<br />Like diamond's 4 C's, the other factors would be the other C's:</p> <p><strong>Clarity</strong> - how clear the birthstone looks (without inclusions).<br /><strong>Carat</strong> - how big in weight the birthstone is.<br /><strong>Cut</strong> - how the stone is cut in shape and quality.<br /><strong>Treatments, Enhancements, and Synthetic Rubies</strong><br />Many of the rubies found in nature are not of the gemstone quality for use in things such as jewelry. However, with modern technology, jewelers can create a better quality of these birthstones in order to use them for accents on a ring or other jewelry pieces. The two most popular ways of treating and enhancing these gems are by heat treatments and lead glass filling treatments. Common factors and fixes for Rubies include:</p> <p><strong>Color Alteration</strong> - most commonly by heat treatment.<br /><strong>Improving Clarity</strong> - typically done by filling cracks in the stone or the common rutile inclusions found in the gem, known as lead glass filling.<br /><strong>Healing or Filling Fractures</strong> - this too is done by the lead glass filling process, all done with rounds of heat treatment.<br />Many of these treatments can hide the impurity and imperfections very well to the naked eye. However, many jewelers can easily identify the unnatural occurrences made to create these enhancements with their jeweler's loupe.</p> <p><strong>Synthetic Rubies</strong><br />In this industry, many gems can either be lab created (such as the lab-created diamonds) or imitations are tried to be passed off. Rubies in fact are some of the most synthetic or imitated gems in the industry. This is most likely a cause of their demand and value throughout history. The first synthetic rubies were created in the early 1800's and were not truly mass-produced until the early 1900's. The uses of these artificial rubies are for both technological, like lasers, to gemological purposes that we may use.</p> <p>Imitation rubies have been around for centuries, although they are not synthetic or lab made, they have been tried to be passed off as rubies. This was seen in as early as 17th Century Rome, where red colored foil was put under another stone to create the red color. More modern forms of imitation are trying to pass red spinels, garnets, rubellite (red tourmaline) and colored glass as rubies.</p> <p><strong>The Birthstone for July</strong><br />With all the love for Rubies it is no surprise that they would be found as a birthstone for one of the months. With beliefs that they guarantee wealth, success, love and more, the ruby has become a staple of our society. Whether used for the purposes of technology or jewelry, the ruby may be one of the most important gems and birthstones we know.</p> urn:store:1:blog:post:33 https://www.distinctivegold.com/history-of-engagement-rings-part-2 History of Engagement Rings - Part 2 <p> </p> <p><img src="/images/uploaded/ER Part 2.jpg" alt="" width="533" height="355" /></p> <p>We looked at the engagement rings and it's origins in the first part of this blog series. We looked at how the ancients used rings as a business agreement more than love and we learned about the first diamond engagement ring. If you missed the first part of this topic, you can find it here. In this part we are going to pick up where we left off and talk about the modern engagement ring that we all know and love!</p> <p><strong>The Modern Engagement Ring</strong><br />While the gimmel rings of the 16th century started to fade, the popular posy rings of Shakespeare's time were becoming more and more popular. These rings were exchanged at the altar and often were engraved with poems for the lovers. While this popularity was during the 1600s we don't see the modern diamond engagement ring to much much later. While rings were alway very popular the rings that we know now were not popular until 1930's. The big leader of this trend however, was America.</p> <p>The arrival of the diamond engagement ring in America did not start until 1840s and were extremely uncommon until well after that. Part of the increase in popularity was the discovery of the mines in Cape Colony in South Africa in 1867. This discovery increased the diamond supply and lead to the De Beers Mining Co. we are all familiar with. By the 1890's we started to see the diamond ring increase in popularity so much that you could see diamond engagement rings and wedding rings available in mail-order catalogs.</p> <p>We don't see the popularity of the modern diamond engagement ring really take off until after the Great Depression. In 1940, we saw in America that the engagement rings were selling in department stores. During this time, we see the "double-ring ceremony" (where both men and women take rings) increase from 15% of all marriages to 85% [1]. These double ringed ceremonies were an anomaly and really caught traction when a priest asked if he was approved by the Catholic church to have both rings were blessed. Prior to this, only the brides ring was blessed in the Catholic church as it was the only ring in the ceremony.</p> <p>Then in 1947 America would read and hear the words "A diamond is Forever" and see many of hollywood's biggest stars wearing their rings on and off the screen. Followed by the classic novel, "Breakfast at Tiffany's" and the infamous cracker jack ring.</p> <p>While the popularity of styles of engagement rings comes and goes and change over time, understanding some of the history and importance of the engagement ring is always beautiful. We hope we helped to give a good background of where your engagement ring comes from, and where the customs come from. Be on the look out for our next part of this series where we would like to tackle and show examples of the different trends of engagement rings in the recent past. From the popularity of yellow gold to the platinum or white gold settings we see more often now. If you have any questions for us, please feel free to reach out! And see our engagement ring guide for a basic step by step process of what to look for in an engageent ring purchase!</p> urn:store:1:blog:post:32 https://www.distinctivegold.com/junes-birthstones-pearl-and-alexandrite June's Birthstones: Pearl and Alexandrite <p><strong><img src="/images/uploaded/June.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="300" /></strong></p> <p> </p> <p><strong>History of the Engagement Ring - Part 1</strong><br />Different from most other months, June has the unique characteristic of having two different birthstones. We can see the more classic take on birthstones represented in the Pearl and a more modern view represented in the modern gemstone of Alexandrite. Either way, between Pearl and Alexandrite Jewelry, June birthdays have two really amazing gems that are unique compared to other stones.</p> <p><strong>Alexandrite - June's Modern Birthstone</strong><br />While pearl may be the most famous of June's birthstone, Alexandrite is the most modern and has a color changing feature that is rarely seen in any other stone. This unique ability and the rarity of this stone defines the birthstone, which has been said to strengthen intuition, aid creativity and expand the imagination.</p> <p><strong>Alexandrite's Unique Ability</strong><br />This 'chrysoberyl' birthstone and it's chameleon-like ability to change colors have been astounding to many since it was first found in Russia in 1831. The stone appears to be either a sea-foam green or blueish color in daylight, but when put under incandescent light (like your light bulb - electric light), it changes to a purplish or red/pink color. This can be seen because of the "spectrum of color" that incandescent light shows versus others and it is absorbed and reflected differently in Alexandrite.</p> <p><strong>Why does Alexandrite Change Color?</strong><br />We would love to have an easy explanation for the color change, but as you'd might expect, it is much more in-depth than that. As we stated above, the reasoning is because the birthstones chemical structure and absorbs and reflects light differently. If you stick with us on this we are going to get a little bit more scientific so... BEWARE! TECHNICAL JARGON AHEAD!!</p> <p>To get a bit more background on the Alexandrite, it is a trichroic gemstone meaning it has 3 different and distinct optical directions. This allows for different colors to be seen from different directions of viewing the stone. Although this does not explain the color change it helps to give us an understanding on how the gem can have multiple 'colors' in the same light at times. The color change is a result of having chromium +3 ions in it's chemical structure and how they reflect and absorb light.</p> <p>In short, the chromium level that is found in alexandrite is balanced right between the levels in both ruby and emerald. This gives the stone the reddish ruby colors when in incandescent light, and the green emerald colors when in natural light. We could get more technical on the nanometers, how humans see light reflected off the gem... but we are gonna leave that up to alexandrite.net if you are looking for any more advanced information.</p> <p>Pearl - June's Classic Birthstone<br />Pearl is seen as one of the most traditional gems for jewelry. For centuries it has been used as a precious stone and has had meanings from mythological and more. Many different cultures have used this stone for jewelry because of it's natural beauty and refined look. The unique feature of the pearl is that it is the only gem to be formed by a living creature, no other gem can make that claim. This unique formation is what gives pearls the ability yo come in many different colors, shapes and sizes.</p> <p><strong>Shapes and Colors</strong><br />The pearl is such a versatile gem that for anybody with this birthstone, they can find a pearl that is just as unique as they are. With the varying shades and colors, pearls have always and still are the best gems that can compliment any skin tone and complexion. The colors of pearls is vast and expansive. From white to beige and from gray to black, this birthstone has the ability to come in almost any color whether it comes naturally or is dyed.</p> <p>With the many different colors and shapes of pearls, this adds an obstacle for the jeweler. Finding pearls that match flawlessly in shape and color can be tough to find. Each strand of pearls must be looked at with a keen eye and expert knowledge.</p> <p><strong>Types of Pearls</strong><br />While a pearl may seem pretty simple, there are many different kinds of pearls. First that comes to mind is the classic round white pearls, although the most famous it is not the only kind. Every step of a Pearls journey helps to change and define it's outcome. A few of these factors are: Type of Oyster, Water Cleanliness, and the location it is formed.</p> <p>From a natural pearl to a cultured pearl, each type of pearl has a unique look, shape, color and polish to it. The most sought after pearl would be a South Sea Pearl, however the classic and most popular pearl that everyone pictures in their head is the Akoya pearl. A few of the different types of pearls are:</p> <p><strong>South Sea</strong><br /><strong>Akoya</strong><br /><strong>Tahitian</strong><br /><strong>Fresh Water</strong><br /><strong>Hanadama</strong><br /><strong>Cultured</strong><br />If you are looking for more information on either of these 2 birthstones, be sure to reach out to us at 815-469-2929, or send us an email! If you would like to see either of these two gems in person, stop in at our store at 19991 S. La Grange Road in Frankfort, IL and view the pearls and Alexandrite that we have in our showcases!</p> urn:store:1:blog:post:31 https://www.distinctivegold.com/history-of-the-engagement-ring-part-1 History of the Engagement Ring - Part 1 <p><strong>History of the engagement ring part 1</strong></p> <p><strong><img src="/images/uploaded/history part 1.jpg" alt="" width="621" height="414" /></strong></p> <p>The engagement ring and wedding band are staples to most cultures, but where did this come from? This long tradition of giving something to someone you love is rooted deep within human history. While the styles, look, and trends of the engagement ring has varied over time, the meaning has evolved as well. From a less tender and loving view in ancient times, to the representation of love, life, and culture it takes now - the wedding ring's history is a long and interesting one. Whether it is the modern diamond engagement ring to the betrothal rings of the past, it has been a symbol of love and matrimony for centuries. This tradition has been alive for many centuries and we are here to answer the questions: Why do we give engagement ring and wedding rings?and What is the history for the engagement ring?</p> <p><strong>The Early History of Wedding Rings</strong><br />While we are all familiar with the diamond engagement ring of the early 20th century, matrimonial rings have been a symbol of a partnership since ancient times. In pre-history there is evidence of braided grass and cords around waists or wrists to represent the connection that the two would have with each other. It is not until the Egyptians do we see the symbolic metal ring worn on the middle finger. This is where the belief of the ring finger has a vein that leads directly to the heart, often referred to as the "love vein".</p> <p>During the ancient Roman era, the rings that we would see them wear were for reasons other than love and marriage. These rings would be worn as a form of contract or a business agreement, rather than a representation of a marriage founded on love. These rings would be made from a plethora of different materials, typically differing based on status and wealth. These rings were made from copper, flint, silver, gold and even bone. But by the end of the 2nd century the popularity of the golden ring was starting to catch on. So how did the gold ring become the fore front of wedding rings? An interesting aspect of the culture at that time was that there were two distinct rings to wear. One for being in the home, typically iron or a more basic metal, and one for wearing in public (typically gold). This sets the basics of the Anglo and European cultures, and in Asia wedding rings were similar, yet different.</p> <p>In Asia, "puzzle rings" were given to each wife as a unique gift to identify them with, as well as a way to test for 'infidelity' while the husbands were away. These rings were very difficult to put together and if taken off the finger, they would fall apart. Knowing this, the husbands would be able to know if there was any infidelity. [1]</p> <p>Engagement Rings turn towards Love &amp; Marriage<br />We first see the step of wedding rings turning to mean something different than a binding contract around 850AD. This is when "it was made official" that marriage was more than a business agreement. Pope Nicholas I stated that the engagement ring was an intent of a man to marry a women. This set the beginning of the intent behind the ring. However the diamond in an engagement ring was not seen until Archduke Maximillian gave one to his wife to be around 1477. This is commonly referred to as the first ever diamond engagement ring.</p> <p>Although the diamond ring didn't quite catch on after Archduke Maximillian, the rings of choice were known as "Gimmel rings". These rings were made with interlinking parts and were given to wife and husband each. At the ceremony they would connect their rings and the now one ring was given to the bride to wear. [2] (Sounds awfully, familiar to the wedding band and engagement ring of modern times).</p> <p>Up next in part 2 we will delve into the modern engagement ring! (Yes, the one's with the diamond center stone!)</p> urn:store:1:blog:post:30 https://www.distinctivegold.com/mays-birthstone-emerald May's Birthstone: Emerald <p><img src="/images/uploaded/Emerald.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="300" /></p> <p> </p> <p>From describing the iconic diamond cut to even a city of fantasy and delight in the Wizard of Oz, the Emerald is a gem that has been a staple of the jewelry industry for centuries. Representing love, fertility and rebirth, the green hues and vivid tones of the Emerald is nature's beauty at work.The Emerald in ancient culture represented Venus, the God of love and beauty. Much like Bacchus with the Amethyst birthstone. Derived from the Greek word "Smaragdos" translating to "green stone" describing it's obvious attribute. Found in many cultures around the world, it is hard to deny the importance of this gem.</p> <p><strong>Value &amp; History of the Emerald</strong><br />As is with most birthstones, the darker and more rich the green color the more valuable the stone becomes. However, some of the most precious of these emeralds have the iconic dark green, but with a slight blueish tint. The prices range for an emerald based on the quality of the stone, and just as with diamonds, the cut, color and clarity are a big factor.</p> <p>Emeralds and most gemstones have natural inclusion on them, though emeralds have more of an expectation to have inclusions based on the way they are crystalized. With more of a tolerance to inclusions on emeralds, the jewelry industry finds this gem is exceptionally rare. These gems have been used as currency and valued by many cultures from the ancient Romans and Nero, to Cleopatra and the Egyptians. The Ancient Egyptians prized the stone and had some of the first emerald mines. It was prized so much so that they would bury mummies with the stone to represent 'eternal 'youth'.</p> <p>The Emerald, among the most famous member of the beryl family, is formed when chromium, vanadium, and iron are present when the mineral is formed. The varying amounts of these 3 elements is what give the emerald a range of colors. The Iron gives the stone the blueish tint, and the other two give the deep green color it is known for.</p> <p><strong>Why the Emerald for May?</strong><br />The importance of this birthstone is obvious, from it's rarity and value, ancient civilizations have prized this stone for centuries. But why is it the birthstone for May? Our guess is because it has represented life and that spring-time feeling in numerous cultures. From the emerald Isles of Ireland, to the 'Emerald city' of Seattle, this gem has been the most opportune way to describe life and a lush green landscape.</p> <p>May birthday's really luck out. One of the best month's when it comes to weather, the final month of school before Summer comes, and one of the most iconic of all gem and birthstones. If you are looking for any more information on the emerald, be sure to reach out to us with your questions or see the emerald birthstones we have in our showcases at our jewelry store in Frankfort, IL!</p> urn:store:1:blog:post:29 https://www.distinctivegold.com/the-april-birthstone-diamond The April Birthstone: Diamond <p><strong><img src="/images/uploaded/april-birthstone-diamond-gemstone-jewelry.jpg" alt="" width="608" height="135" /></strong></p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Diamonds are Forever: The April Birthstone!</strong><br />As the April Birthstone, Diamonds are one of the most sought after and valuable gems on Earth. For the lucky few that were born in April, you would be a fool to not have at least one piece of jewelry with your birthstone. Seen in more than just engagement rings and jewelry, the diamond is one of the most beautiful and usefull natural minerals we know of!</p> <p><strong>History and Formation of Diamonds</strong><br />Diamond - coming from the Greek term "adamas" translates to invincible. This only makes sense as a diamond is the hardest of natural gemstones used in jewelry. The origins and creation of these birthstones helps validate their name. April's birthstone is formed deep within the mantle layer of the Earth and reach the surface through fierce volcanic eruptions.</p> <p>While what we learned in elementary school is that Diamonds come from Coal, our middle school teachers were not quite accurate. We would like to note that carbon and coal, yet similar, are very different. What they were right about however, is that heat and pressure are the other elements necessary in the formation of these diamonds. Over 1,000 degrees celcius to be exact while under constant and immense pressure. This type of environment is located in what geoligists refer to as the "diamond stability zone" in the Upper mantle of Earth.</p> <p>We do want to note that this is only one of the theories on diamond formation, but there are many other ways that diamonds can be created and found. Whether it be from subduction zones and more. Diamonds are still a bit mysterious, even finding literal "out of this world" diamonds formed in space and in asteroids.</p> <p><strong>Diamond Quality</strong><br />While everyone knows the 4 C's, we tell all of our customers about the 5th 'C' that is often forgotten by other jewelers and the internet. Just to recap a little on the 4 C's that we all know:</p> <p><strong>Color</strong> - This actually refers to the absence of color in the diamond. Ideally, less color is more sought after. (Ask Tony)<br /><strong>Cut</strong> - This references 2 aspects of a diamond. 1) the Shape and 2) the proportions of the stone.<br /><strong>Clarity</strong> - Measuring the tiny imperfections within the diamonds. The less imperfections, the more flawless the diamond.<br /><strong>Carat</strong> - This is the weight of the stone itself. The higher the weight the bigger the stone.<br /><strong>Confidence in Diamond Buying - The 5th 'C'</strong><br />Something that many jewelers forget to inform their customers about is the 5th 'C' - Confidence. We like to establish the relationships with our customers and take pride in finding the highest quality diamonds for them. We offer GIA Certified stones and promise to never sell a stone that may come from an unknown origin or from a conflict. We always like to ensure that there is no such thing as a "bargain diamond", but only diamonds of different value, dimensions and weight. While Distinctive Gold Jewelry can make this promise, unfortunately many online sources of diamonds can not.</p> <p><strong>Diamond Jewelry</strong><br />While we absolutely love all jewelry, for DGJ we have always had a soft spot for diamond jewelry. A reason we feel that diamond jewelry has found it's home at DGJ is because of the precious moments that come along with the precious stone. We have seen Father's buying a diamond pendant for their daughter's April Birthday; Lovers buying a diamond engagment ring to celebrate their love. One thing that is true about the diamond is that it is so precious, not only becaouse of it's rarity, but because of the moments that are shared around it and the people involved.</p> urn:store:1:blog:post:28 https://www.distinctivegold.com/aquamarine-the-march-birthstone Aquamarine: The March Birthstone <p> </p> <p><strong><img src="/images/uploaded/Mar-Aquamarine_456.jpg" alt="" width="456" height="282" /></strong></p> <p><strong>Aquamarine: The March Birthstone's History and More</strong><br />March is a busy month. With the end of the Winter months, it can mean a lot to many people. They are ready to get out and start the new year and new season. March is filled with celebration and an overall ecstatic feeling of NO MORE WINTER! Especially in and around the Chicagoland area. There is a celebration for everything: St. Patty's Day, the First Day of Spring, and for most Easter Sunday. One thing about March that Distinctive Gold Jewelry would not like to overlook, one of our favorite gemstones, Aquamarine.</p> <p>With it's cool blue color and hue, it adds a crisp look to a new engagement ring, center stone of a beautiful pendant, or an accent to a bracelet or earrings. DGJ loves the Aquamarine for it's beauty and it’s natural 'typically' inclusion-free structure.</p> <p><strong>Background on Aquamarine</strong><br />(Beware! There may be Technical Jargon ahead!)</p> <p>Aquamarine's crystalline mineral construct helps to add to the beauty and durability of this stone. With clarity and less natural inclusions than most gemstones, it's mineral species of 'beryl' creates a clear structure to aid to this feature. Pure Beryl however is clear, but the addition of other minerals helps to add the colored hues. Aquamarine in it's truest form is the classic baby blue that we all know. But it also can be found in pink and greenish hues as well.</p> <p>With Aquamarines, one thing we find in the jewelry industry to be true. The darker the hue, the prettier the stone, the more expensive the gem. This being that the darker and more rich, deeper blue gemstones are more expensive. This is especially true with the Aquamarine.</p> <p>For bench jewelers and gem cutters, the Aquamarine can be especially tricky. The gemstone like March-born Chicagoans, are durable, and tough. With a hardness of 7.5 on the Mohs scale means that it is tough enough to be considered a choice for an pendant (although nothing has the durability of a diamond). Usual cuts of this birthstone is oval or emerald cut to enhance it's clarity and color.</p> <p>It's durability adds an advantage to everyday wear and tear, as well as the maintenance that it needs. All gems need maintenance and if you are looking for a low maintenance center stone, you found one. To care for your stone, ultrasound cleaning and a steam bath is really all it needs when there are few to no inclusions. Otherwise a simple warm water bath and a light bristled toothbrush can do the same. Add some mild soap to enhance the cleaning and knock off any dust or grime.</p> <p><strong>Why Aquamarine for March?</strong><br />Aquamarine has been known to represent a few things - purity of spirit and soul, or unity. Much like those that have March birthdays or the Zodiac sign of Pisces, it also can represents water or the sea, hence the name. The beautiful thing about Aquamarine, is that it is known to gleam and glitter even in minimal lighting; perfect to wear for an evening out at a restaurant in downtown Chicago or Frankfort.</p> <p>For us, it's a fresh stone. Crisp. Light. Bright. Durable. Something that represents March really well. With the beginning of Spring and the 'wet' weather and atmosphere the blue hue of water that it represents fits well. Along with the durability of the stone and winter's end, those that make it through the cold and into March are durable as well.</p> <p>Although most things in March are green, DGJ will be celebrating this month with the baby blue of the Aquamarine. Stop in to the store and ask any of us any questions you have on the stone. We have a few in stock if you would like to see some different pieces with the stone set in them.</p> urn:store:1:blog:post:27 https://www.distinctivegold.com/why-the-movado-motion-x-can-change-your-life Why the Movado Motion X Can Change Your Life <p><strong>Movado Motion X Review</strong></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><strong><img src="/images/uploaded/Movado-MotionX.jpg" alt="" width="577" height="302" /></strong></p> <p><br />movado motion x available in frankfort, il<br />When I state "life-changing" with this watch, I mean it. I have seen from my own experience how it has increased my personal well-being and health. It isn't a life-changing event like buying an engagement ring or proposing can be, but life-changing in the way that making a small change to your regular routine can change your overall self. The event I am referring to is using the Movado Motion X to it's full capabilities. If you are in the market for a new Movado watch, this is the one to get, hands down!</p> <p><strong>The Movado Motion X available in Frankfort, IL</strong><br />One of the most recent additions to Distinctive Gold Jewelry's watch collection is the Movado Motion X Collection. This collection takes the classic and high quality design found in all Movado's, and marries it with the capabilities and functions of a "smart watch" such as the FitBit. This watch adds the style and comfort that you look for in a watch and a handy and quite easy, mobile app that works for your Android or IOS device. Anyone, man or women in the Frankfort, IL area looking to add this to their collection is making a "smart" choice.</p> <p>Movado watches has teamed up with the Motion X team to give this watch some technological advantages, as well as the style that many look for in a watch. The Movado Motion X collection offers 3 great options for men, women, and athletes of all sorts in the Frankfort, IL area.</p> <p><strong>Museum Sport</strong><br />This watch comes in a little bit more pricey but also comes in both a rubber strap or a metal band. We recommend this watch for the businessman, young or old, that wants to work at being more active while in the office or on the weekends. (This is the watch that I have personally worn and will show my findings in the rest of this article).<br /><strong>Bellina Motion</strong><br />The Movado Bellina Motion is created for women. It is sleeker and adds the feminine touch to any style. Perfect for business women and any lady looking to stay track their steps and more! I highly recommend this for any lady looking for a fashionable way of staying healthy.<br /><strong>Movado Bold</strong><br />This watch is less expensive compared to it's counterparts but adds the Movado Bold style to the smartwatch category. With less focus on the design and style, but still adding the Movado flavor, this is the perfect choice for everyday-leisure style.<br />Whichever style fits you or your personality, this watch's technological functions that it has help to keep you fit and monitor your steps, health and sleep cycles.</p> <p><strong>Features on the Movado Motion X</strong><br />I am sure many are wondering "Alright, so it's a Fitbit wrapped inside of a Movado". And you are right, but the disadvantages that the Fitbit has, is addressed and fixed with this Movado Watch. We think that anyone that wears their Fitbit for a week, then tries the Motion X will see what we are talking about.</p> <p><strong>Style &amp; Comfort</strong><br />One big gripe that you can find in reviews of the Fitbit is A) the way it looks and B) the way it feels. Many women and men find that the Rubber strap and look is not what they want. The look is great for when you are running a marathon, but in a boardroom or talking to clients... it clashes with the business attire. Imagine being in a pitch to a new client in Chicago and having that on your wrist versus the Movado.</p> <p>The comfort complaints that we have all heard about the itchy or annoyingly tight plastic strap on the Fitbit has is fixed with Movado. They are a watch company that married with a technology company to create this, not the other way around. They know what you want in a watches feeling and comfort.</p> <p><strong>Step and Calorie Counter</strong><br />This watch tracks your steps, tells you how many calories you have burnt in a day, and has a "Coach" to help you reach your goals. It counts steps by tracking your movement, and it tracks it really well compared to most on the market. It is hard to trick this watch into extra steps. It tells you your overall calories burnt by steps and activity, as well as at rest (yes, you burn calories sleeping and not exercising too).</p> <p>You can set Active alerts on this watch to remind you "Hey time to get out of the chair and take a walk". In other words it lets you know when you are being inactive. Helping to push yourself out of your chair, off your butt and moving around; Increasing your steps and keeping you active. This, the alarm and knowing your steps are all done, without opening up an app!</p> <p><strong>Sleep Cycle Log</strong><br />Probably the best feature about this watch is that it tracks how you sleep, logs it and is incredibly accurate! By a simple 3 second press on the crown of the watch, you set it into "Sleep Mode" and it tracks the light and deep sleep you get throughout the night. Tracking your sleep and sleeping properly will help you to become more healthy and help you achieve a better overall life. When you wake, 3 second push on the crown and BAM! Back into action, aka activity mode to start tracking your steps again. No need for opening up an App on your phone to get this done!</p> <p><strong>My findings after wearing the Movado</strong><br />After wearing the watch personally for a little over a week now, I can attest to 2 things:</p> <p><strong>1. You will be suprised at how many steps you take</strong></p> <p><strong>2. You will be disappointed on how few steps you take</strong></p> <p>These 2 findings may be worded oddly, but I mean them like this - getting ready in the morning for 30 minutes I get 300 steps. Not bad! But by the end of the day, I am at 1,800 steps. Not quite my goal of 5,000 steps in a day.</p> <p>I, like most, work at a job that requires a lot of "sitting" and working at the computer. So for me it was a real wakeup call when you only reach half your goal from 6am until 10pm at night. But like most that wear a Fitbit, using this information to get me out of my seat is what I like the most. It fires me up to get out and take the 5 minute break to get water or to take the "long way" to get back from the lunchroom.</p> <p>I am a 23 year old man, working in a business world and the moment Dad came to me talking about this watch, I knew it was the watch I have wanted. I have a natural affinity towards watches having worked at Distinctive Gold Jewelry and being a part of it. But why did I never buy a Fitbit or an Apple Watch? Simple. I don't need to text, email or play on apps with my watch. I don't like the look of a plastic watch. I want a watch that I can wear with style and fashion that I can wear in a business setting, or on the weekends. I talked to Dad, bought the watch, and have never been happier. Speaking of Dad, his favorite feature is that looking at the sub-dial (right above the 6:00 position) gives you a quick reference to the percent achieved of your daily goal. So there is no need to fire up the app to find out.</p> <p>I especially have never been happier with it's effect on my personal life. I have found that I am more conscious of getting up, taking a walk and pushing that step counting needle further and further. When I first wore it I told myself, don't do anything that I normally won't do. I found that eventually you realize how long you sit and do not move in a day. After that, I started moving and went from achieving about 25% of my goal in a day, to getting to 60% - 80% of the step goal of 5,000. In all, I have seen that I am more active now after the watch, than before. That's what has changed my life. Getting up and being active - whether it was by the inactivity alarm or my own self awareness.</p> <p>If you are in the market for a new Movado, or looking to get a higher-end classier watch. Than this is a no brainer. I recommend this watch to anyone that is looking to get a new Movado watch.</p> urn:store:1:blog:post:26 https://www.distinctivegold.com/february-birthstone-what-exactly-is-amethyst February Birthstone: What exactly is Amethyst? <p> </p> <p><img src="/images/uploaded/Amethyst Gem color spectrum .jpg" alt="" width="671" height="587" /></p> <p><br /><strong>February Birthstone: What exactly is Amethyst?</strong><br />For any of our lovely customers celebrating their birthday this month, they surely know that their birthstone is Amethyst. For those of you who have family and friends with birthdays this month, now you know that the purple gemstone of royalty belongs to them!</p> <p>This gem has been found in the personal items of many kings and queens throughout the ages. Purple, known as the color of royalty, is a staple of any king or queen so Amethyst is an obvious choice for any crown or scepter! Most notably, Catherine the Great of Russia was especially fond of this beautiful gemstone. Her everyday items from rings, necklaces, and scrunchies... well the 17th century equivalent to a scrunchy at least.</p> <p>One of the more affordable gemstones, Amethyst ranks as a beautiful staple for the royal necklace or a great accent to a unique diamond engagement ring. However it is used in jewelry, this birthstone is a beautiful addition to anyone's wardrobe.</p> <p><strong>The Technical Specs of an Amethyst Birthstone</strong><br />To get a little bit more 'granular' for a moment, we want to expand on what an Amethyst really is. This stone is the purple variety of the quartz mineral. The color spectrum of the stone can range from a dark plum color to a slight hint of lavender. This lavish color stems from the remnants of iron in the crystalline structure when it was formed.</p> <p>Although the most sought after stones are the dark purple natural stones, many of the natural stones contain "color zoning". Color Zoning is the attribute of having multiple colors or shades of that color within the gem. While natural stones can contain this, heat treatments of the stone can lighten the hue of dark colored Amethyst, making the stone more enticing.</p> <p>Found in many geographic regions from Brazil, Zambia and even in the United States near Arizona, Amethyst is a very prevalent stone geographically speaking. Amethyst, and quartz in general, doesn't have a "predetermined" geographic region. It can form in most places, but do not get too excited about finding it in your backyard in Frankfort, IL. It is most typically found in mountainous areas or craters, that are not found in Illinois. (If you are a gem hunter however, check for fluorite, our state mineral).</p> <p><strong>Why is Amethyst the February birthstone?</strong><br />Like every birthstone, there really is no "factual" evidence on "why 'X' birthstone is for 'Y' month?". No one truly knows. What we do know is that in 1912, the official list was adopted by Jewelers of America. From this many different theories were created, stemming from the Bible and even from the Zodiac, but what we do know about Amethyst's history may tell us why it is in February.</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><img src="/images/uploaded/Bacchus by caravaggio.jpg" alt="" width="587" height="672" /></p> <p>Bacchus by Caravaggio Amethyst God</p> <p>Some history on the stone from the ancients points of view may shed some light. The name of "Amethyst" comes from Greek that has been translated to "not drunken". This stems from the ancient Greek belief that it wards off the effects of alcohol. Furthermore, the Ancient Roman God of Wine and Partying, Bacchus, was very much associated with this birthstone. Even seen as his living symbolism on Earth.</p> <p>Why do we bring this up? As wine-makers as well as jewelers, we know that by the month of February it is time for our wine to be bottled and ready for consumption. The deep purple color of wine and the dark Amethyst quartz may be the vital connection on why this stone was picked. Or the Jewelers of America just opened their bottle of Pinot Noir when it was time to decide on February.</p> <p>Now we know that this is a long-shot, there is one thing we know to be true. Whether you find it in a bracelet, necklace or ring Amethyst is one of the most beautiful and unique stones there is. Just like those with birthdays in February, beautiful and unique like their stone!</p> urn:store:1:blog:post:73 https://www.distinctivegold.com/2016-preview-and-year-in-review-for-dgj 2016 Preview and Year in Review for DGJ <p><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt;">DGJ's Year in Review and 2016 Preview</span></strong></p> <p>Hello all and Happy New Year! We are already 5 days into the new year and Distinctive Gold Jewelry is excited for what is to come! We want to take this time to sit back and reflect on this past year and thank you all for being a part of it! We have had quite an eventful year, we had a variety of cool events and promotions and updates to how we are serving our customers.</p> <p><br />We were so happy with this year that we made a video that hi-lights a select few events in the year that made it special and memorable. Below you can see the video and view images from distinctive engagements to the drone delivery.</p> <p><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/xojMis5JUwo" width="660" height="300" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p> <p><br />Distinctive Gold Jewelry's Top 5 of 2015<br />Below we have hi-lighted our top 5 picks of events in 2015 for DGJ. These range from our events, brands we started carrying and more! Read below about each of them and why we picked them!</p> <p><strong>1. Drone Delivery in Frankfort, IL</strong><br />This is something we are extremely proud of. We delivered our first gift by drone delivery! This delivery was to one of our customers and thanks to Aerial Photographs Illinois, we were able to achieve this. In case you missed it, you can learn more about the Drone Delivery here. Our plans for 2016 have to do with this, but we will get to that at the end!</p> <p>2. Engagement Rings and Proposals<br />Obviously a defining trait of getting a beautiful engagement ring at Distinctive Gold Jewelry in Frankfort, IL is the unique experience and ring itself. However, our favorite part about diamonds and engagement rings is the proposal! This year we had a ton of great engagements and have shared them on our Facebook page! If you are looking for any tips for your proposal, be sure to reach out to us and we will be happy to help! And always be sure to share with us the proposal pics!</p> <p><strong>3. Men's Night</strong><br />One of the coolest events that we have done in our history is our Men's night! In the past and previous years we have had many after hours trunk shows from Chamilia to a women's oriented night at DGJ. But this year we decided to give the Men a taste of what a night at DGJ is like! We offered a Blackhawks raffle, a tasting from Frankfort spirits, Pronto Pizza Kitchen and more! We are sure to do this again, but we think first we need to give the Ladies a night to themselves with all the jewelry, have any ideas? Send us your thoughts and contact us with them!</p> <p>4. Online Jewelry Store<br />This is something that we know not a lot of local jewelers do and we think it is something that sets us apart from the other stores. Our customers have the ability to Search and Shop from home or get information on some of the brands that we carry. Although we don't share all of our jewelry online, customers can search for styles and pieces they like so they have an idea before they come into the store. So whether you want to research for something before you come in, or buy online, DGJ's online store is secure and we assure you that you can find everything in our store.</p> <p><strong>5. Freida Rothman Jewelry at Distinctive Gold</strong><br />Last but not least, a top event in 2015 is picking up and carrying Freida Rothman Jewelry. We are the only store in the area that currently carries the brand and we LOVE it! It has affordability in mind and is fashion focused in all of it's designs. With the trend of gold and yellow jewelry and big colors coming back, Freida Rothman was a no brainer! If you want to see more, check it out in our store and learn more about it here!</p> <p>Honorable Mentions:<br />We would put every custom made ring or jewelry brand we carry on this list if we could, because everything we do for our customers and all the products we carry we fully believe in and back fully. There are a few honorable mentions that we would like to acknowledge which includes:</p> <p>• <strong>The Galatea Momento Pearl</strong><br />With the momento pearl, Android users can send personalized messages in their jewelry to commemorate special events and tell those you love everything in your own voice. A way that technology has fused with the jewelry industry to make cool and exciting pieces.</p> <p>• <strong>Studio D'Ortenzio Original Skeleton Key Rings</strong><br />Something that you can only find at distinctive Gold Jewelry. Inspired by the skeleton Keys you may find in the drawer or in a medieval castle, these rings are one of a kind and beautiful.</p> <p><img src="/images/uploaded/skeleton ring.jpg" alt="" width="564" height="188" /><br />•<strong> Endless Jewelry</strong><br />Although it is not a "new-comer" to Distinctive Gold like Freida Rothman Jewelry was this year, we would like to state it within this section to acknowledge the fact that it again has shown to be a reliable option for a charm bracelet. Reinventing the charm bracelet with a leather strap design and the beautiful charms from Jennifer Lopez in the "JLO colleciton". Endless Jewelry has become a staple at Distinctive Gold Jewelry and has won the hearts of all those in Frankfort, IL.</p> <p>Preview and Predictions for our Jewelry Store in 2016<br />2016 preview for jewelry industry and store</p> <p>We are excited to see what 2016 has in store for us and we know you will be too! From what we have seen in the industry we have our Predictions and Preview of the year and we think you will all be extremely happy and satisfied!</p> <p><strong><img src="/images/uploaded/previewof2016.jpg" alt="" width="568" height="296" /></strong></p> <p> </p> <p><strong>1. Engagement Ring Drone Delivery in 2016</strong></p> <p><br />We found a lot of success with our first ever Drone Delivery, but for 2016 our goal is to capture and deliver an engagement ring and proposal all through drone! If there are any couples out there or there is a couple that you think would love this, please let us know or tell them about us and our delivery system! If they are looking to get in touch with us, they can reach out to us through our Drone Delivery Form and we can contact them to set up the delivery!</p> <p>2. <strong>Blackhawks Ticket Giveaway</strong><br />Like the Hawks, Distinctive Gold Jewelry has ONE GOAL too, LOVE! More to come soon on this, but we want to hear from our customers and learn about their stories of Love. The contest and rules will be released soon, but it will be a perfect surprise for that sweetheart right before Valentine's Day. Keep posted it will be coming soon!</p> <p>3. <strong>Increase in Yellow Gold and Gold Jewelry in Fashion</strong><br />We are already seeing this, but we expect to see this become more and more prevalent as the year goes on. This trend can be seen on TV, Movies and advertised everywhere! This is one of our reasons to bringing in the Freida Rothman Jewelry brand to our store. It has the comfort of styles in silver but also with great accents of gold.</p> <p>4.<strong> Increase in Online Store Purchases and Views</strong><br />We were so happy and proud to see that many customers that found us on the web searched our online store and inventory to help find what they are looking for. Although our online store does not have every piece that Distinctive Gold Jewelry has to offer, we keep it up to date and add as much as we can to it. We have seen customers searching our store online and coming into our brick and mortar store in Frankfort, IL to purchase. When they do come in they get exactly what they saw online, or other options that we have. Either way they leave happy as always!</p> <p><strong>5. Beautiful Designs and Beads coming from Chamilia in 2016</strong><br />Again Chamilia is coming into it's own, we have seen it when it originally picked up Disney as it's bead. But now that they have discontinued with Disney and are really starting to embrace other avenues like Swarovski crystal. Chamilia will be giving Pandora a run for it's money! They are offering more than just sterling silver bracelets now; they have rings, necklaces and more and in 2016 we are seeing some seriously gorgeous and innovative beads and designs in the works. Stay tuned to see what will be coming!</p> <p>For all the reasons above you can see why we are happy with 2015 and are excited for what is to come in 2016! Be sure to stay in touch and up to date with us by stopping in at the store off of LaGrange Road in Frankfort or connect with us on Instagram, Facebook and social media!</p> urn:store:1:blog:post:25 https://www.distinctivegold.com/santa-claus-is-coming-to-town-2 Santa Claus is Coming to Town. <p><br />We would like to start this post by giving the information about Santa and where you can meet and see him this year: Starting this <strong>Tuesday, in Tinley Park,</strong> Santa will be available for pictures from <strong>7pm-9pm</strong>; Santa will be in his sleigh until December 23rd. Bring the kids, and take a picture. The address; <strong>8930 Fairfield Lane Tinley Park, IL 60487</strong>.</p> <p><img src="/images/uploaded/santahouse.jpg" alt="" width="418" height="210" /></p> <p> </p> <p>Santa's stop at Distinctive Gold Jewelry<br />Now and again Distinctive Gold Jewelry has been frequented by all sorts of Christmas cheer each year. One year we had an "Elf" (Tony's Son) dress up and hand out candy canes. And this Christmas' the cheer came from one of our customers. From THE Santa Claus.</p> <p>Every year around this time, in walks a man that is right out of the storybook. Jolly and round; white beard and full of joy, as if he was right off of the Coca-Cola bottle! We affectionately say "Santa! What's new?" every time he walks into the store. Knowing his love for the holidays, he gives a great "Ho Ho Ho" or other jolly responses and we start talking. His home in Tinley Park is a Winter Wonderland and is the North Pole.</p> <p>He regales us with tales about the holiday and his experiences bringing cheer to the community. Like every customer we create a great relationship with him and learn more.</p> <p>This year Santa had an especially interesting story to tell:</p> <p>He told us about about a man who brought his children to see Santa and get a picture with jolly old Saint Nick. As the man sent his kids to get the picture with Santa, he asked, "Sir, come in for the picture as well!" The man politely said "No" and waved his hands. Then Santa asked again, "When was the last time you took a picture with Santa?" And the man stopped, and thought, and said "You're right" and got in the picture with Santa and his children.</p> <p>As the kids were running off to explore the Winter Wonderland, the man turned to him and said, "Thank you so much, as a kid I grew up as an orphan, and was never able to take a picture with Santa. Thank you so much."</p> <p>When we heard this story, we knew we had to share it. It was something so touching that we couldn't help but share. We like to take this story as a way to remember the great things about the holidays and what they are about. Spending time with your Children and enjoying and giving them a great time.</p> <p>He has been been setting up his home and filling his neighborhood and community with Christmas cheer for over 10 years and loves every minute of it! Outside of the home you can see all the beautiful lights, the festive decorations and of course, the one and only Santa! See below for a video tour, and be sure to stop by and see Santa!</p> <p><br />And in case Santa didn't see Tony's letter yet, he attached it here. He was hoping Santa could help with this one! P.S. Be sure to read the Post Scripts!</p> <p>Tony's Letter to Santa</p> <p> </p> <p><img src="/images/uploaded/santa-letter2.jpg" alt="" width="617" height="558" /></p> <p><br />Dear Santa,<br />I herd you are making a special appearance in Tinley Park. I plan on stoping by, but in case I can't get offf work, I figured this letter might help. I’m not sure how to ask this, but here it goes… I would love the new game for my x-box “NHL 16”, an aloominum shaft hockey stick, or a Patrick Kane official sweater … he’s number 88. But you probably know that. I think I’ve been good, but I guess you know that two!</p> <p>PS … It would be great if you could bring a present for my wife too… she's realy nice and feeds the family realy well.<br />PSS… If you could help bring “Peace on Earth” I’d like that instead of anything else.</p> <p>- Tony D.</p> urn:store:1:blog:post:72 https://www.distinctivegold.com/santa-claus-is-coming-to-town-3 Santa Claus is Coming to Town. <p><img src="/images/uploaded/santahouse (1).jpg" alt="" width="500" height="251" /></p> <p> </p> <p>We would like to start this post by giving the information about Santa and where you can meet and see him this year: Starting this Tuesday, in Tinley Park, Santa will be available for pictures from 7pm-9pm; Santa will be in his sleigh until December 23rd. Bring the kids, and take a picture. The address; 8930 Fairfield Lane Tinley Park, IL 60487.</p> <p>Santa's stop at Distinctive Gold Jewelry<br />Now and again Distinctive Gold Jewelry has been frequented by all sorts of Christmas cheer each year. One year we had an "Elf" (Tony's Son) dress up and hand out candy canes. And this Christmas' the cheer came from one of our customers. From THE Santa Claus.</p> <p>Every year around this time, in walks a man that is right out of the storybook. Jolly and round; white beard and full of joy, as if he was right off of the Coca-Cola bottle! We affectionately say "Santa! What's new?" every time he walks into the store. Knowing his love for the holidays, he gives a great "Ho Ho Ho" or other jolly responses and we start talking. His home in Tinley Park is a Winter Wonderland and is the North Pole.</p> <p>He regales us with tales about the holiday and his experiences bringing cheer to the community. Like every customer we create a great relationship with him and learn more.</p> <p>This year Santa had an especially interesting story to tell:</p> <p>He told us about about a man who brought his children to see Santa and get a picture with jolly old Saint Nick. As the man sent his kids to get the picture with Santa, he asked, "Sir, come in for the picture as well!" The man politely said "No" and waved his hands. Then Santa asked again, "When was the last time you took a picture with Santa?" And the man stopped, and thought, and said "You're right" and got in the picture with Santa and his children.</p> <p>As the kids were running off to explore the Winter Wonderland, the man turned to him and said, "Thank you so much, as a kid I grew up as an orphan, and was never able to take a picture with Santa. Thank you so much."</p> <p>When we heard this story, we knew we had to share it. It was something so touching that we couldn't help but share. We like to take this story as a way to remember the great things about the holidays and what they are about. Spending time with your Children and enjoying and giving them a great time.</p> <p>He has been been setting up his home and filling his neighborhood and community with Christmas cheer for over 10 years and loves every minute of it! Outside of the home you can see all the beautiful lights, the festive decorations and of course, the one and only Santa! See below for a video tour, and be sure to stop by and see Santa!</p> <p> </p> <p><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/i2vy3fSGF0Q" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p> <p> </p> <p><br />And in case Santa didn't see Tony's letter yet, he attached it here. He was hoping Santa could help with this one! P.S. Be sure to read the Post Scripts!</p> <p>Tony's Letter to Santa</p> <p><img src="/images/uploaded/santa-letter2.jpg" alt="" width="811" height="735" /><br />Dear Santa,<br />I herd you are making a special appearance in Tinley Park. I plan on stoping by, but in case I can't get offf work, I figured this letter might help. I’m not sure how to ask this, but here it goes… I would love the new game for my x-box “NHL 16”, an aloominum shaft hockey stick, or a Patrick Kane official sweater … he’s number 88. But you probably know that. I think I’ve been good, but I guess you know that two!</p> <p>PS … It would be great if you could bring a present for my wife too… she's realy nice and feeds the family realy well.<br />PSS… If you could help bring “Peace on Earth” I’d like that instead of anything else.</p> <p>- Tony D.</p> <p> </p> urn:store:1:blog:post:24 https://www.distinctivegold.com/freida-rothman-jewelry-show-dec-11th-2015-from-12-7pm-2 Freida Rothman Jewelry Show Dec. 11th, 2015 from 12-7pm <p>Freida Rothman Jewelry Trunk show at Distinctive Gold Jewelry</p> <p> </p> <p><img style="undefined" src="/images/uploaded/Freida Rothman Show.jpg" alt="" width="611" height="226" /></p> <p> </p> <p><br />Freida Rothman SHow Illinois</p> <p>We are more than excited to announce that December 11th 2015 we will be having our first ever Freida Rothman Trunk Show at Distinctive Gold Jewelry in Frankfort, IL! At our jewelry store, we will be dedicating 3 showcases for the Freida Rothman Jewelry and we plan on doing a sneak peek to our customers and our email list. So stay tuned to your email and see if you get the invite!</p> <p>-------- 20% OFF on Freida Rothman Jewelry ------</p> <p>---- Free Gift with Purchase -----</p> <p>------ iPad Raffle -------</p> <p>Freida Rothman Jewelry in Frankfort, IL<br />Freida Rothman; she is fashion, she is ‘the’ fashion statement, and she is affordable. Distinctive Gold Jewelry, now celebrating our 41st year in business, are welcoming the start of the warmer colors entering the world of adornment. The Jewelry comes in both distinct yellow but classic sterling silver colors as well. We believe that the designs that Rothman puts out is perfect for the fashionista’s in Frankfort, Mokena, and New Lenox! The jewelry speaks for itself, and the sterling silver price point with quality look, style and design is the primary feature when it comes to FR Jewelry.</p> <p>If you are a “style maker” or “trend-setter” and like the social scene, FR is the way to go. We love it for Frankfort because it is something new, something Distinctive, something Gold, in your Jewelry world.</p> <p>Freida Rothman Show on Dec. 11th, 2015<br />Where: Distinctive Gold Jewelry in Frankfort, IL</p> <p>When: December 11th, 2015 from 12pm to 7pm!</p> <p>The Promotion: Special Prices and FREE gift w/ Purchase!</p> <p>At the Trunk Show we are offering a free gift with purchase! The FREE gift is your choice between the $50 and $55 retail price of one of two earrings below:</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><img style="undefined" src="/images/uploaded/GiftWpurch2a.jpg" alt="" width="373" height="363" /><img src="/images/uploaded/GiftWpurch1a.png" alt="" width="365" height="355" /></p> <p>Earring freida Rothman Frankfort ilFreida Rothman Jewelry Illinois<br />Trunk show merchandise will be primarily be shipped to Distinctive Gold Jewelry by December 5th. Check into the store to research the Freida Rothman Jewelry we are offering! Along with the Trunk show Merchandise, we have stocked up even more on the Freida Rothman Jewelry products.</p> <p>Along with the Free gift, we are offering the following</p> <p>IPad raffle.<br />Vouchers to pre-purchases for items bought before 12-10-15 (free gift w/purchase)<br />Refreshments and Cookies</p> urn:store:1:blog:post:21 https://www.distinctivegold.com/time-flies-first-jewelry-delivery-by-drone-in-frankfort-il Time Flies: First Jewelry Delivery by Drone in Frankfort IL <p><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vFHwF6mC_dQ" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0"></iframe></p> <h1>Time Flies: A Watch Delivery via Drone in Frankfort IL</h1> <p>On Tuesday September 23, 2015 Distinctive Gold Jewelry in Frankfort, Illinois did something that no other jewelry store in Frankfort or possibly Illinois has done! We delivered our first gift to our customer by drone delivery! We delivered a women's watch to a wonderful couple celebrating their anniversary. Now this was a manned drone delivery, and not exactly the GPS driven and unmanned drone's that are to be "the future", but I don't even know if Amazon has that figured out yet!</p> <p>This was something that I, Tony, was dying to do since the first murmurs of Drone Delivery hit the airwaves. The idea came to me right before the Christmas season of 2014. I wanted to deliver an engagement ring to a willing customer, via Drone. I wanted to give a couple something that they could never forget; A memory they will keep for a lifetime. We have had some really neat engagement proposals throughout the years and with 2015 coming soon it was a new year's resolution or promise to myself. At Distinctive Gold we have had such amazing proposals... from a full showcase display in the Field Museum in Chicago, to even during a cave exploration in Southern Illinois; we've seen them all, or so we thought.  As anyone in the jewelry industry would know, Christmas and the holiday season can be quite hectic and time consuming. Yet for a willing customer we were ready to do this, however as many also know, the weather and details of the Chicago Suburbs are arduous especially when dealing with the weather. As well, the task of being a local jeweler in a small town in IL and wanting to make an unprecedented jewelry delivery by Drone!</p> <h2>How we delivered a Watch by Drone</h2> <p>After the busy Holiday season, it was a new year, February 2015, and in the back of my mind "I need to do this drone thing". Well Lisa, one of our longest employees, recommends one of our customers who is a tech-junkie and has been an extremely kind and loyal customer of Distinctive Gold for many years, to give it a try. I thought, “Yes! I'm in!"  So we approached the subject of doing this "drone delivery" to this customer.  We received a "Yeah! Sounds cool!" But it wasn't quite in the cards for all of us at that point, but surprising his wife in this way would be a memory that they can share forever! That's what we considered to be of the utmost importance. We wanted to give something to a couple that they can never forget.</p> <p>So, I learned something: We can create a great memory for our customers to share, but timing is everything.</p> <p>Knowing in the back of my mind, that I need to be ready at any point, I contacted David at <a href="https://distinctivegold.com/LinkClick.aspx?link=http%3a%2f%2fwww.aerialphoto.pics%2f&amp;tabid=307&amp;portalid=6&amp;mid=821" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Aerial Photo of Illinois</a> and approached him with the idea. I have been a jeweler for over 40 years. I dabbled with technology, but I was in no way a pilot and did not have the capabilities to do so. That was where David stepped in; we approached him with the opportunity. David with a level head accessed the risk: drone crashes, FAA licenses and approval, unexpected complications. He knew it was a great opportunity, but would take a bit to figure out, and he did. We were ready with the technical aspects, just needed the timing to be perfect.</p> <h2>Jewelry Delivered: Time Flew</h2> <p>As Summer passed, things started to come together in the right sequence for this drone idea.  So now we needed to figure out the distance for David to accomplish this one of a kind surprise.  David has the know-how and skills to manage the distance of the delivery.  A date was set and a beautiful day as well. I knew we had a lot of things that could go wrong. The drone has 15 minutes of battery life, we needed to secure the expensive jewelry piece, and we had to "chase" the drone to make sure it arrived without hitting the high tension wires that paralleled us on the way. We always reminded ourselves "We could have just hand delivered it or sent it through the Frankfort Post Office, but what’s the fun in that?" It had to be from David’s Drone. With no "dry run", we chased the drone with the package attached and hoped for the best!</p> <p>It was a success! This couple received a great memory, a customer received a beautiful watch (with some complimentary champagne and flowers to celebrate the moment), and we may have accomplished something cool along the way! We are not so sure this drone delivery is the future but we loved the surprise and it couldn’t have been to a sweeter couple celebrating an anniversary gift from Distinctive Gold Jewelry. Oh and one more thing;</p> <p>UPDATE:</p> <p>Although it was a first for us, we are ready to go further: deliver an engagement ring and capture that moment for a couple on video. How can you beat that? A beautiful and unique memory that is captured on video. And so we keep looking... if anyone approaches us for their drone delivered <strong><a href="https://www.distinctivegold.com/engagement">engagement ring</a></strong> from our jewelry store in Frankfort, IL … DGJ is in. We think this would be a wonderful way in order to cherish a memory.  As I’m sure we have set a Frankfort town record of the first jewelry delivery in Frankfort IL via drone … possibly for the state as well... What we wanted to ensure from the start was that our Distinctive Gold Customer has an everlasting memory and maybe made history as well. And <a href="https://www.distinctivegold.com/services/drone-delivery"><strong>if you are looking for a drone delivery</strong></a> and a similar memory from Distinctive Gold, and the timing is right …“we're in”.</p> <p>The Reaction to the Anniversary Delivery</p> <p>See her reaction below and please share your thoughts with us on this here on the Distinctive Gold Blog:</p> <p><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4YCsa5NxJaE" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0"></iframe></p> urn:store:1:blog:post:20 https://www.distinctivegold.com/chamilia-halloween-gift-set-at-distinctive-gold-jewelry Chamilia Halloween Gift Set at Distinctive Gold Jewelry <p>The Chamilia Halloween Gift Set<br />We are reviewing the really cool Wickedly Charming Halloween Gift Set 2015. We think that this year's Halloween Gift set is spooky but cute! Joe, Lisa, Zita and the whole Jewelry store fell in love with it right away! We felt that the Frankfort community would love this gift set.</p> <p> </p> <p><img src="/images/uploaded/Images/BlogImages/Halloween Chamilia Bead.png" alt="" width="150" height="150" /> <img src="/images/uploaded/Images/BlogImages/Jack o lantern bead Chamilia.png" alt="" width="181" height="180" /><img src="/images/uploaded/Images/BlogImages/Skeleton Bead Chamilia.png" alt="" width="150" height="150" /></p> <p> </p> <p>Jack o lantern Chamilia Bead at Distincitve gold Jewelry in Frankfort ILSkeleton Chamilia Bead at Distincitve gold Jewelry in Frankfort ILHalloween Chamilia Bead at Distincitve gold Jewelry in Frankfort IL</p> <p>Anyone notice the ‘bat’ icons embedded in the bead? How cool is that? We think that Chamilia has really out done themselves with this gift set this year! The box is so much fun as well, you won’t throw it away. (Keep it nice, it will be a collectable some day; just like those comics your mother threw away!).</p> <p>Three exclusive Halloween charms -- Touchy Feely, Moon Beams and Gentleman Jack are all rich in detail and include Swarovski Crystals. These Sterling Silver Chamilia Beads are delivered in a custom-designed gift box featuring a pop-up haunted house and spook-tacular graveyard.</p> <p>Halloween Chamilia gift set at Distincitve gold Jewelry in Frankfort IL</p> <p>Take advantage of are DGJ specially SCARY price of $89.00 for in stock gift sets. Purchase if you dare!!</p> <p>Happy Halloween Everyone!</p> <p>- Distinctive Gold Jewelry in Frankfort, IL</p> urn:store:1:blog:post:19 https://www.distinctivegold.com/citizen-watches-new-satellite-watch Citizen Watches New Satellite Watch <p>What is the New Citizen Sattelite Watch?<br />"Better Starts Now" Citizen has come out with a new Men's watch. The very cool thing about it is that it is linked to satellites to keep the most accurate time.</p> <p><a href="https://youtu.be/KHiflki3eJA">https://youtu.be/KHiflki3eJA</a><br />Satellite Timekeeping Technology with Worldwide Reception, Time Adjustment Available in 27 Cities (40 Time Zones), Perpetual Calendar, Power Reserve Indicator, Day-Date</p> <p>Here are some cool features.</p> <p>The Ecco Drive power source is light. Sunlight being the best source but this watch will tell you what amount of “light” power your existing environment is giving you. At full power it can be left in darkness for up to 2 years. It actually goes into a shutdown mode when idle to conserve energy. (They may of learn this from the Tissot T-Touch Professional Solar Watch).<br />It can receive a GPS reception from any of the 4 satellites above, as quickly as 3 seconds and as long as 2 minutes).<br />Not receiving a GPS signal? Another button preforms a radio communication with the antenna in Colorado.<br />Luminous hands, Anti-Reflective Sapphire Crystal, stainless steel, day date, and water resistance up to 10 bar (that means “go ahead and go swimming”)<br />Little nuances like the hidden 2 button fold over clasp, cool dial treatment and bezel decorations… I can keep going … Perpetual Calendar, Power Reserve Indicator and articulation half link adjustment ... Phew …<br />All for the low, low retail price of.... $1150.00.... unless you buy it from DGJ! (That’s short for Distinctive Gold Jewelry). Come in and see Tony to get our best price!</p> <p>And don't forget... this watch is also endorsed by Eli Manning</p> urn:store:1:blog:post:18 https://www.distinctivegold.com/part-2-of-the-big-story-on-apple-watch Part 2 of "The Big Story on Apple Watch" <h1>Part 2 of “The Big story on Apple Watch”</h1> <p>“Even though Apple isn’t reporting specific sales figures on the Watch, Apple CEO Tim Cook went on record in July's quarterly earnings call to state that “sales of the watch did exceed [Apple’s] expectations” and that “Apple Watch sell-through was higher than the comparable launch periods of the original iPhone or the original iPad.” Cook also said that Watch sales actually increased in June compared to April and May, which ran counter to recent media reports.” Remember its Apple and I expected it to be another GRAND SLAM for them as a company. <br />Are the Swiss nervous? Is this a repeat of the great Seiko movement of the 1970’s or the current bragging rights of <a href="https://www.distinctivegold.com/LinkClick.aspx?link=%2fdetails%2fProductID%2f6499&amp;tabid=307&amp;portalid=6&amp;mid=821" name="https://www.distinctivegold.com/details/ProductID/6499">Citizen</a> watch? I have always said that the Swiss do what they do very well, because of the mechanical watch industry. Swiss Mechanical movements survived the great quartz movement take over, and they will survive this. As an Apple user and a PC user I rest with the favor of loving Apple products and also loving the Mechanical world of watches. My goal is to find good information and present it in a way that is distilled down.  <br />Now for my favorite part of the story; I am using information given from my personal request of Apple Watch users, three things that are Pro’s and three things that are Cons of an Apple Watch. I selected from my research three people that made the cut. (Yes picking three was not easy). So one conclusion has been that it was Only men that I came across from my findings. Unfortunately no ladies to ask :( ... So please do not be afraid to chime in here and let me know your thoughts. The men are as follows; all middle age men, Muhammad from Frankfort, Richard from Oakbrook, and Spencer from Frankfort.  <br /><img src="https://www.distinctivegold.com/Portals/DistinctiveGold.com/appleWatchPandC.jpg" alt="" /><br />Spencer could not find any cons. I asked and asked and he barely gave a con even though I knew of a con from the conclusion of others, he declined to agree with even charging it every night. That’s why Spencer made the cut. He also loves apple as we can see. Yet the most interesting and my most favorite was from Muhammad. When he mentioned that he receives his daughter’s heartbeat with his Apple Watch, how does that not touch someone’s soul? It was such a passionate statement that at that moment I knew that Apple hit a home run.<br /><br />Now to finish my Apple Watch Predictions:<br />-The next generation Apple Watch will be self-generating via solar power or oscillating wheel.<br />-An unopened, unused first generation Apple Watch will be sold at Auction in many years to come for a heck of a lot of tombola’s.<br />-Apple will Never be able to make a “waterproof” watch. Because I have a few people I know who know how to get water into a watch. Lol<br />And last but not least…<br />- Tony will probably not get one for Christmas</p> urn:store:1:blog:post:17 https://www.distinctivegold.com/the-big-story-on-apple-watch-part-1 The Big story on Apple Watch part 1 <p>Are Apple Watches worth all the money?<br />I love all things that tell time. Least favorite is that mundane clock in our school classroom that seemed to run too fast and way too slow, conditional to a test or that boring teaching moment. Since this past April, I’ve been trying to follow anything about Apple Watch. I will try to distill it down for now, as it is information overload, and this blog will only give beginning details of what lies to come. I will also have some Tony’s Predictions at the end.</p> <p>First, I want to discuss the rumors of the 18kt gold that supposedly Apple reinvented. It was said that Apple created a harder 18kt gold that is scratch “resistant” (that’s the key word). Nothing can be made scratch proof or water proof and Apples 18kt was to make theirs super-duper hard. My 31 years at being a goldsmith and alloying pure gold to a standard 18kt spec made me ask what the heck Apple has done to gold. It clearly did not make goldsmith sense. Now it was said they were mixing ceramic based particles in the gold to make it extremely scratch resistant. This may still happen but Rado Watch would have been the ones to do it, years ago, if anyone would of. Did I mention that we, DGJ, have been a Rado Watch Dealer, here in Frankfort IL since 1984 (he he he). Here is one backpedaling article that fixes the mis-guided information.</p> <p>“All week, it’s been reported that Apple is using a “new gold” in the gold Apple Watch Edition. According to Bloomberg, Slate, Gizmodo and many others, Apple has patented a new process to create a “metal matrix composite” by mixing gold with ceramic particles. The composite supposedly allows Apple to save on the amount of gold it uses, while making the substance super-hard and adding other amazing properties. But according to Atakan Peker, a materials scientist and one of the co-inventors of Liquid-metal, which Apple holds an exclusive license on, it’s extremely unlikely Apple is using any kind of “new gold” for its watches.” *</p> <p>The truth is. the technicians at Apple compress the Gold, basically squash it really, really tight. Something we, Distinctive Gold Jewelry, have with a line we carry called “Furrer-Jacot”. “ Furrer-Jacot is using high-quality platinum, gold and palladium alloys. The compressed precious metals guarantee maximum density, an absence of pores, pits and fissures, and help ensure a durable and pleasant feeling when worn.”**</p> <p>So now that the fog over Frankfort Illinois is lifting, how are sales for Apple watch? (side note, yes it is called “Apple Watch” and is never referred as ‘The Apple Watch’). Sales are dismal? … well according to “According to the Wall Street Journal, a subsidiary of Advanced Semiconductor Engineering (ASE) and one of Apple’s suppliers for the Watch told investors that it fell short of a “break-even” number of shipments of its Apple Watch components during the second quarter, and it expects to fall short again in the third quarter.”***<br />But wait… are sales really dismal? Remember its Apple. So a brand name watch that we carry here at DGJ, is a brand called Hamilton, here is an example of the Below Zero, …</p> <p> <img src="/images/uploaded/Images/BlogImages/H78585333.png" alt="" width="500" height="500" /></p> <p>They have sold 120,000 units per year as of 2013.^ Apple on average so far has sold about 2 million units. Hamilton is by far one of the best brands Distinctive Gold carries. Hamilton watch, as an established brand wishes they could do that in a whole year.</p> <p>Ok part 2 of The Big story on the Big Apple Watch is coming soon. But right now my first prediction. The Apple Watch will make Oprah’s Favorite Things for 2015.</p> <p> </p> <p><br />Ok part 2 of “The Big story on Apple Watch”<br />“Even though Apple isn’t reporting specific sales figures on the Watch, Apple CEO Tim Cook went on record in July's quarterly earnings call to state that “sales of the watch did exceed [Apple’s] expectations” and that “Apple Watch sell-through was higher than the comparable launch periods of the original iPhone or the original iPad.” Cook also said that Watch sales actually increased in June compared to April and May, which ran counter to recent media reports.” Remember its Apple and I expected it to be another GRAND SLAM for them as a company. <br />Are the Swiss nervous? Is this a repeat of the great Seiko movement of the 1970’s or the current bragging rights of Citizen watch? I have always said that the Swiss do what they do very well, because of the mechanical watch industry. Swiss Mechanical movements survived the great quartz movement take over, and they will survive this. As an Apple user and a PC user I rest with the favor of loving Apple products and also loving the Mechanical world of watches. My goal is to find good information and present it in a way that is distilled down. <br />Now for my favorite part of the story; I am using information given from my personal request of Apple Watch users, three things that are Pro’s and three things that are Cons of an Apple Watch. I selected from my research three people that made the cut. (Yes picking three was not easy). So one conclusion has been that it was Only men that I came across from my findings. Unfortunately no ladies to ask :( ... So please do not be afraid to chime in here and let me know your thoughts. The men are as follows; all middle age men, Muhammad from Frankfort, Richard from Oakbrook, and Spencer from Frankfort.</p> <p><img src="/images/uploaded/Images/BlogImages/appleWatchPandC.jpg" alt="" width="635" height="334" /></p> <p>Spencer could not find any cons. I asked and asked and he barely gave a con even though I knew of a con from the conclusion of others, he declined to agree with even charging it every night. That’s why Spencer made the cut. He also loves apple as we can see. Yet the most interesting and my most favorite was from Muhammad. When he mentioned that he receives his daughter’s heartbeat with his Apple Watch, how does that not touch someone’s soul? It was such a passionate statement that at that moment I knew that Apple hit a home run.</p> <p>Now to finish my Apple Watch Predictions:<br />-The next generation Apple Watch will be self-generating via solar power or oscillating wheel.<br />-An unopened, unused first generation Apple Watch will be sold at Auction in many years to come for a heck of a lot of tombola’s.<br />-Apple will Never be able to make a “waterproof” watch. Because I have a few people I know who know how to get water into a watch. Lol<br />And last but not least…<br />- Tony will probably not get one for Christmas</p> urn:store:1:blog:post:16 https://www.distinctivegold.com/you-have-a-magnetic-personality You Have a Magnetic Personality. <p>How do magnets affect watches?<br />Like any high-precision instrument, a watch needs to be serviced regularly in order for it to work perfectly. The intervals of service vary depending on the model, climate, and the care taken by the watches owner. As a general rule, three to four years in-between services are recommended depending on the use of the watch.</p> <p>We recommend cleaning your watch regularly using a soft cloth with "limited" warm water. If its a Diving watch and its been in salt water, rinse your watch with fresh water and leave it to dry completely.</p> <p>**Magnetic fields: Do not expose your watch to intense magnetic fields such as loudspeakers or refrigerators and other electromagnetic appliances. (this one is our biggest culprit of tricky issues with watches ... I can go on for days explaining or not knowing how to stop it from happening) beware of smart phones, tablets, and electronic devices coming in direct contact.</p> <p> <img src="/images/uploaded/Images/BlogImages/BEST-Anti-Magnetic-Watches-Gear-Patrol-LEad-Full.jpg" alt="" width="619" height="295" /></p> <p>For reference, here are the Amperes/meter ratings of some common magnets.<br />35 A/m – Earth’s magnetic field at its surface<br />4,000 A/m – a typical refrigerator magnet<br />8,000 A/m – a small iron magnet<br />5,500,000 A/m – an MRI machine<br />6,600,000 A/m – CERN Hadron Collider magnet<br />Shocks: Whether thermal or other shocks, avoid them. In the event of violent shocks, please have your watch checked by an authorized Service Center such as Distinctive Gold.</p> <p>Crown: depending on model, push or screw it in carefully to ensure that no water enters the mechanism.</p> <p>Cleaning: for metal bracelets and for all water-resistant cases use a toothbrush with soapy water and a soft cloth for drying.</p> <p>Chemical products: avoid direct contact with solvents, detergents, perfumes, cosmetic products, chlorine; bleach ammonia, etc., since they may damage the bracelet, the case and especially the gaskets.</p> <p>Temperatures: Do not expose your watch to sudden temperature changes (exposure to sunlight followed by immersion in cold water) or extreme temperatures over 60C (140F) or under than 0C (32F).</p> <p>Activity: Perspiration is an ongoing harmful effect on gaskets, lock-tight materials, and plays a role in threaded pins and cotter pins of the like. Please wipe off any natural perspiration to your fine jewelry watch. Or invest in a “work out” watch that can take on (but still has a limited life) necessary to your everyday living, with your time piece.</p> <p>If you are looking for non-magnetic watches, look no further! Here is a great article that we found about Anti-Magnetic Watches</p> <p>Another great read about magnetism and how the world of watches is addressing the old/new is found here...</p> <p>http://iwmagazine.com/2015/10/history-anti-magnetic-watch/</p> urn:store:1:blog:post:15 https://www.distinctivegold.com/3-jewelry-travel-tips 3 Jewelry Travel Tips <p>3 Jewelry Travel Tips for Frankfort, IL</p> <p><img src="/images/uploaded/Images/BlogImages/couple-checking-in.png" alt="" width="565" height="283" /></p> <p><br />Whether you’re on your honeymoon, or that ever needed vacation. We have some recommendations for safety while vacationing and things while you’re gone.</p> <p>1. Always have a watch that can be helpful for when you’re many time zones away.</p> <p><img src="/images/uploaded/Images/BlogImages/H32685731.png" alt="" width="500" height="500" /></p> <p> </p> <p>Hamilton Jazzmaster GMT Limited Edition - This watch is a great example of what guys like. Travel is ultra-cool with this black PVD globetrotter at hand. Mastering the time across 24 time zones, the Jazzmaster GMT Limited Edition uses contrasting grey and bright red elements for easy orientation and visual appeal. Only 999 lucky wearers will be able to obtain this limited edition ticket to freedom.</p> <p> <img src="/images/uploaded/Images/BlogImages/H24251399.png" alt="" width="500" height="500" /></p> <p>Hamilton Ladies Ventura - This for the ladies this watch will keep you sheik and sporty at the same time. Having started its life as a pioneer, the Hamilton Ventura continues to make a bold statement over half a century later in the form of a modern lady edition. This special timepiece integrates touches of the unexpected to give its classic inspiration a futuristic and edgy feel. The familiar shield shape of the case gets a distinctively contemporary look through smoothed surfaces. The angular crown is integrated into the case with its pointed tip signaling 3 o’clock. The white and mother of pearl dial has a racy looks. Celebrating modernity, the case elegantly flows into a stylish, smooth white rubberstrap.</p> <p>2. Pay attention to your jewelry</p> <p> <img src="/images/uploaded/Images/BlogImages/wedding-ring-in-sand.png" alt="" width="275" height="165" /> <img src="/images/uploaded/Images/BlogImages/R9481BW.png" alt="" width="163" height="163" /></p> <p>The biggest mistakes newlyweds do is wear them at the pool. You’re in the sun and then go in the cool ocean water and when your hand shrinks instantly, off goes that cool titanium or diamond band sinking into the sand. Most hotel rooms are equipped with an in room safe that can keep it safe. A Jewelers Mutual survey of 600 married women found that more than 25 percent have lost a piece of jewelry while vacationing.</p> <p>Be sensible with your style and what you share to strangers as well:</p> <p>- A proper ring needs to be worn cause leaving your ring in a safe place at home is just not cool. We recommend a low profile but significant ring like this (pictured above) makes a proper fashion statement. Sometimes what you wear may tell too much, be sensible!</p> <p>- The other “can’t help myself” no no, is never ever, EVER post pics on Facebook while away vacationing. The moment is cool but it can wait. And who wants to invite the bad guy to come to your house un-invited.</p> <p>3. Hedge your bets, get it insured!</p> <p>We all know that Airport security and jewelry can bring anxiety but trust me when your stuff goes through the ex-ray machine yes it’s a picture proof you have your stuff. Don't worry but always rememeber it is better to be on the safe side. Always hedge your bets on proper insurance, Jewelers Mutual stated Effective January 1, 2015, both new and existing policyholders automatically enjoy expanded coverage - at no additional cost - to include additional preventive repair, helping you avoid a larger, more painful in the event their is jewelry loss.</p> <p>We hope this helped, let us know if you have additional tips &amp; tricks for traveling with jewelry? Tell us in the comments below. Or share them with us on Facebook! We’d love to hear them!</p> urn:store:1:blog:post:14 https://www.distinctivegold.com/womens-world-cup-final-2015 Women's World Cup Final 2015 <p> </p> <p><img src="/images/uploaded/Images/BlogImages/world-cup.jpg" alt="" width="658" height="370" /></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p>Just as much as everyone else may be, DGJ is overly excited about the Women's World Cup Final. We have been following the World Cup this year fervently cheering on the Women to victory. And you better believe we are happy to see this rematch between USA and Japan from the Final in 2011. In 2011, the game didn't end as well as American fans would have liked. It ended with a Japan win in a penalty shootout, one of the most nerve-racking and intense aspects to the sport. Not to mention that it was the final... The game itself was a beautiful game and we watched as Japan kept fighting back and came back from a deficit twice as the Americans were counting down the minutes until the end of the game.</p> <p>This year we are happy to see the rematch more than ever. This is the year, we are sure of it. This year, we think we are more ready than we were in 2011. With the amount of talent that is on this years soccer team, from Hope Solo to Alex Morgan; we can't wait to see this team play. We know that Japan is a great team and that they are a huge possession team, but keeping patience and a cool head will be extremely important. We have a lot of confidence going into this game and we are excited to see this game play out!</p> <p>We will be representing the Red, White and Blue with our jersey's today and will be customizing our Chamilia Bracelets and FourKeeps Lockets. It's our favorite way to represent our favorite team. Can't wait to watch this game and watch them dominate on the field.</p> <p>Good luck to the entire team! Go USA!</p> urn:store:1:blog:post:13 https://www.distinctivegold.com/hamilton-watch-an-american-hero Hamilton Watch, an American Hero! <p><strong>Hamilton Watch, an American Hero!</strong><br />Although Lancaster, Pennsylvania may be out of mind and thought to most of us here in the Chicagoland area, this region of America has become a huge part of history through one simple company. This story shows, on how a watch company that focused on quality and excellence became essential to winning World War II. Hamilton Watch Company is as American as apple pie, and their beginning is something that is interesting and historic itself. “Keep the trains running on time!” Hamilton was the primary supplier for watches and timepieces for the railroads in America. It was the standard and best on the market due to its precision and accuracy of keeping time; essential in the railroad business. In 1891, an incident arose in Cleveland, Ohio where one engineer's pocket watch was inaccurate on the time, causing a terrible train crash. This caused an industry commission to set a standard in timekeeping used by railroads. This catapulted Hamilton as the front runner of all watches (pocket watches at the time) that were used by the railroad industry. This is due to the fact that their precision in time-keeping was far superior to most other watches on the market, at that moment. This led to the nickname "The Watch of Railroad Accuracy" for the company. This accuracy is something that factored into the contributions of America winning World War I and II.</p> <p>Hamilton's reputation led directly into World War I, as the official watch of American forces. And with the adaptation and acceptance of wrist watches in the 1930's, it led to the watch being an official timepiece for many pilots and airlines. In the 1940's these accomplishments made Hamilton into one of the best-selling brands in America. Then "The Day That Will Live In Infamy" was upon us. Pearl Harbor launched America into the Second World War, and changed the manufacturing industry and Hamilton immensely. Shortage of Time. With Europe at war, America was in desperate need for military watches and time keepers. With Germany, being the top notch watch manufacture out of Europe, and also being an enemy and add Switzerland surrounded by a world war, a shortage came to the US. Hamilton along with other watch companies were contracted out to produce for the US Military, thus halting consumer watch production. Wartime Production. Like most industries at the time - the watch industry not excluded - had to change their production towards supporting the war effort in any way possible. US watchmakers were actually mandated by federal laws to produce for the US military. Hamilton produced thousands of watches during the war —for the Army, Navy, Air Force, and U.S. allies including the Canada, England, and Russia.</p> <p>Timekeeping was essential to planning and executing battles and conflict throughout the war. Whether it was for the infamous planning of D-Day, the timing for airborne attacks in France, Italy, and the Netherlands, or if it was simply getting the men up for early morning air raid attacks; the watch was a staple and essential tool to all military personnel. Synchronization was essential for winning the war. Of course, what is Federal manufacturing without "top secret" and interesting inventions during World War II? Hamilton created a multitude of top secret contraptions that were used for attacks, saving American soldiers lives, and civilian and allies alike. One of the most interesting devices was the "bomb timer", which essential would be used to film the impact of bombs and measure how effective they actually were. One over looked aspect of necessity for keeping the correct time was the naval ships that America had stationed primarily in the Pacific, and even in Europe for transport vessels or submarines. Without accurate time-keeping, a ship could be off course by miles and lead to delays and failed operations. The Marine chronograph was essential. So essential that the US contracted out to many watch makers into creating a top of the line and precise time keeper. Hamilton took this challenge. Having never created a marine chronograph before this truly was a challenge. However, 13 weeks after Pearl Harbor, Hamilton produced two prototypes called ‘marine chronographs’ that were simply astonishing! The accuracy and detail that went into these time keepers made into the wrists of military officers. So much so that Hamilton was honored as one of the staples to winning the war and keeping many of the military men and women safe. Legacy of Excellence. These watches have literally stood the test of time and were essential for US victory on the land, air and sea. Without Hamilton's contributions to the accuracy, precision and excellence they put into their watches, the war may have played out much differently and could have seen numerous more amounts of allied casualties.</p> <p>On this year’s Fourth of July, we want to thank the men and women that now fight, and those whom have fought for us and our freedom. We need to remember those people whom manufactured a time piece that brought such great help that lets us enjoy the freedom’s we have today. A Big Thank You to All Veteran’s and Thank You Hamilton.</p> urn:store:1:blog:post:12 https://www.distinctivegold.com/guidelines-for-a-distinctive-proposal Guidelines for a Distinctive Proposal <h1>DGJ's top ten list to engagement proposals</h1> <p><img src="/images/uploaded/Engagement%20Ring%20-%20Proposal.jpg" alt="Proposing to girlfriend - DGJ" width="577" height="302" /></p> <p>One thing that we hear and see all the time is how people can get overwhelmed when it comes to picking out the perfect ring, or just the entire process of weddings. We are here to take some of that anxiety and burden off, that's truly what our job is. Here at DGJ the mission is to find something that works for you and make sure that it is something that you and your fiance will love. That is all that matters. We focus on the important things when it comes to picking out <a href="https://www.distinctivegold.com/engagement" target="_blank"><strong>the perfect ring</strong></a> for your significant other. We are here to guide, help and make your special day even more special (and relaxed). So whether you want suggestions on some great places to go for the <a href="https://www.distinctivegold.com/LinkClick.aspx?link=http%3a%2f%2fwww.bellasposaboutique.com%2fdesigners.html&amp;tabid=307&amp;portalid=6&amp;mid=821" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><strong>wedding gown shopping</strong></a>, perfect place for a <a href="https://www.distinctivegold.com/LinkClick.aspx?link=http%3a%2f%2fwww.bokayandcompany.com%2f&amp;tabid=307&amp;portalid=6&amp;mid=821" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><strong>bouquet</strong></a> or even the perfect venue to hold the reception. We are here to do that. Here are DGJ's ten steps to a more relaxed (and more enjoyable) engagement ring experience and getting married.</p> <ol><ol> <li><strong>Know her taste when making a DGJ engagement ring.</strong></li> </ol></ol> <p>Diamonds and rings, like the people who wear them, range in all sorts of ways. We suggest for a flawless proposal to get to know her style just as well as you know her personality. A few ways that we suggest doing this is by talking to her friends and family on what the best style, look and shape to the diamond and ring that they think she would prefer. Remember to ask them for <a href="https://www.distinctivegold.com/LinkClick.aspx?link=%2fabout%2f4-c-of-diamonds&amp;tabid=307&amp;portalid=6&amp;mid=821"><strong>the 4 C's</strong></a> that they think she would prefer when it comes to the diamond, and the color of gold and style of ring she would like. </p> <p>Another way is to bring in one or a few of her favorite rings (secretly of course). Not only then can we get her finger size, but then we can get to know her style ourselves when we create and customize the perfect ring for her. You can even check her Social Media accounts (pinterest, instagram, etc) and see what we can do to match the styles! And our biggest tip to remember when picking style, if the ring is coming from you, she will love it; that's what really matters to her.</p> <ol><ol> <li><strong>Stay within your budget and goal date.</strong></li> </ol></ol> <p>This is one of the most important things when picking a ring. Letting us know what your budget is can help us to find the best quality, color, cut, carat, and more for the ring that you want. We want to see every couple that walks in our doors happy, and we want to make sure they stay that way. We work with every couple to make sure that they get the perfect ring and stay within their budget so not only will they be happy with the price, but so they will be even happier about the quality of engagement ring they get.</p> <p>As well, keeping the date that you have in mind is just as important. We all know, timing is the key to everything in life. We make sure that we stay on the schedule so that way you are on schedule when you pop the question. The turn around times vary for every ring, but we ensure to get you that ring so you can focus on other things for the proposal. Whether its the right things to say or making the reservation for the right place. Keeping one less worry on your mind is our specialty.</p> <ol><ol> <li><strong>Ask permission for her hand. Her Dad, Mom and You will be off to a great start.</strong></li> </ol></ol> <p>A lot of people say, "Well, this is a no brainer" but the fact of the matter is it is something that is so crucial that we have to include it. Not only are you asking out of respect to her parents, but you are starting the relationship with your soon to be in-laws off on the right track. And while you are at it, ask for any advice. Her parents may give you the perfect place, or know the perfect person when it comes to wedding advice. Not only ask her parents permission, but talk to yours so that way they can be as excited for you as hers will be. One HUGE part of doing this that some may not think of is, ask WELL in advance to when you are going to propose! Give your parents and hers some time to relax before that big day, otherwise it could be a one-two punch for Dad to see his girl grow up so "fast". Sometimes it takes a bit for it to set in that Daddy's little girl is going to grow up.</p> <ol><ol> <li><strong>Make it a surprise by any means possible.</strong></li> </ol></ol> <p>By this we simply mean that part of the fun for you is surprising your significant other with the ring. This doesn't mean to do something apsolutely outrageous, unless you feel that she would like it. All we are sayin is that their initial reaction is priceless. Try your best to keep it a secret and only tell those people that you know won't spoil the surprise. Half of the fun of the proposal is being secretive and keeping your fiance guessing. But always remember to play to their personality. If she is not too big on surprise engagements at a <a href="https://www.distinctivegold.com/LinkClick.aspx?link=https%3a%2f%2fwww.youtube.com%2fwatch%3fv%3dUtPkxzHKLpk&amp;tabid=307&amp;portalid=6&amp;mid=821" rel="nofollow">Chicago Bulls game</a>, we suggest don't do it that way. Suprise her according to her personality, and always remember that sometimes all you need to do is K.I.S.S.</p> <ol><ol> <li><strong>Try to coordinate it with her regular nail appointment to prepare for that photograph.</strong></li> </ol></ol> <p>Yes, we know that a diamond is beautiful, and that ring that she is wearing IS beautiful, but sometimes it's not just about how beautiful the ring is but everything having to do with those proposal photos. She should feel great and beautiful as well. Ask her for her hand in marriage when you go out for a nice dinner, she will be dressed up perfectly for those photos and she will be even happier when you planned this far ahead. And yes, when she gets her nails done that is a great time to go out to dinner and propose. She will be dressed up, her nails done for those closeup shots, and you will look like a superstar, and so will she.</p> <ol><ol> <li><strong>When dropping the famous line, always use her full name and drop to one knee.</strong></li> </ol></ol> <p>Doing this is respectful, and proper. We always suggest this to every man that walks in ready to propose. Sometimes doing things the "classic" way are important, even though everybody else does it. No matter what you are doing for the proposal, there is always a time ti drop to one knee and say the lines. It shows that you have enormous respect for her and it's romantic!</p> <ol><ol> <li><strong>Make a sign that says... "I said YES!" or "She said YES!" for that selfie shot.</strong></li> </ol></ol> <p>Although we just said that doing things in a classic way when proposing is important, so is staying modern. The selfie has changed the realm of pictures and commemorating moments in your life. We are not saying go out get a selfie stick and start taking thousands of photos, but a few sensible selfie's reallly can add some spice, modernity, and personaility to those proposal picks. And always remember, if you can, add a sign. This can add something different to that proposal and make that picture more lively. Or like<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uH_Qu4ohdY0" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><strong> this couple</strong></a>, take a video! Sometimes you can't beat your signifigant others face; capture that priceless emotion with a video!</p> <ol><ol> <li><strong>Try to have someone capture that moment.</strong></li> </ol></ol> <p>Whether you capture it yourself like the couple above, or get a friend or photographer to get it... TAKE THAT SNAPSHOT! You will not regret it. Whether the pictures are candid or professional, it is super important to document this time in your life!</p> <ol><ol> <li><strong>Always include her level of romance in the proposal. Whether it's formal or casual, it's about the romance.</strong></li> </ol></ol> <p>It's all about her and it's all about you. Keep the romance alive in your next step in the relationship. The reason you two are together is the romance and respect each other by knowing and embracing that level of romance. Like we said before, play to each other's personality. If she wants to be proposed in front of a crowd, or in a quiet coffee shop in downtown Frankfort, IL. Make sure you do what both of you will enjoy!</p> <ol><ol> <li><strong>Don't forget to share the moment with us (DGJ), after all we're like family now!</strong></li> </ol></ol> <p>This is is the most important number if you ask us! We LOVE sharing that moment with the couples that we work with. We promise that we are as excited as she will be when you pull that ring out of your pocket and get down on one knee. We love to share that special experience with you and love to hear what is in stor for the new DGJ couple. Whether its bringing in your daughter for her first pair of earrings, or your son in to get his Engagement ring. We want to be there with you and see your family grow!</p> <p>If you are looking for some ideas on what to get, take a look at <a href="https://www.distinctivegold.com/LinkClick.aspx?link=%2fstore%2fcategoryid%2f487%2fengagement-rings&amp;tabid=307&amp;portalid=6&amp;mid=821"><strong>our engagment rings</strong></a> we have to offer, or come in and look at our over 300 rings in our showcase! Remember if you have any questions, call us at<strong> <a href="tel:8154692929">815-469-2929</a></strong> or come in and talk to Tony, Joe, Lisa or any of the DGJ crew and we can help you out with any of the questions you have!</p> urn:store:1:blog:post:10 https://www.distinctivegold.com/tanzanite Tanzanite <p>The Lore of Tanzanite has caused a story to be told when selling this beautiful gem.</p> <p>From Tiffany’s Lore to flooded mines. The 1967 discovery from the Masai Tribesman was actually stumbled upon. Bluish transparent crystals were revealed from the earth’s weathering. Thought as a discovery of Sapphire, but with specific gravity testing, it showed something else. As mines soon pop up the crystals were primarily naturally brownish. But, heating them, in a controlled environment made magic happen.</p> <p>Once the industry realized that it was not, in fact, sapphire like many thought, Tiffany &amp; Co. quickly made a deal to become its exclusive distributor.</p> <p>The company gave it a name inspired by its country of origin and began marketing it with a major push in 1968. The stone increased in popularity almost immediately due to its high clarity, vivid color that can range from blue to violet to bluish-purple, and its potential for large cuts of stone.</p> <p>“Untreated, tanzanite is typically brownish. Most blue tanzanite’s for sale today owe their color to heat treatment, which is what reveals its attractive pleochroic (many of the usual or expected characteristics) blues and violets. The blue crystals originally discovered by Masai tribesmen were an exception because they’d probably been exposed to a natural heat source within the earth at some point.</p> <p><img src="/images/uploaded/Images/BlogImages/kabana1.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="450" /></p> <p><br />GIA tell us to exercise caution when wearing them (wait… almost not wear them?), … now that just temps us, doesn't it. But yes, it’s only a 6-7 on Moh’s hardness scale; it means they are soft-ish … but wearable …carefully.</p> <p>A limited supply:</p> <p>Tanzanite has only one source: it’s mined in the hills of Mount Kilimanjaro in northern Tanzania, on a strip of land that’s only about 4.5 miles long. TanzaniteOne Mining Ltd, owns the largest and most advanced mine at the site. “Geologists have said that at the current rate of mining, there will be no more tanzanite in the next 20 to 25 years,” said Hayley Henning of the Tanzanite Foundation, the nonprofit dedicated to promoting the gemstone. Here are some other beauties.</p> <p> <img src="/images/uploaded/Images/BlogImages/blogger-image--1103766528.jpg" alt="" width="640" height="302" /></p> <p>In the 90's stories were told of flooded mine's, and as a result, we watched the prices jump!Now we see a more controlled flow but seemingly smaller supply of gem qualities. Never the less, its a new birthstone gem! Can anyone guess which month? Well, lets just say that in the color zone of blues for birthstones, the "Blues" win it. For the Month of December it used to be Turquoise, then Blue Zircon and now Tanzanite. OK, enough with the color blue ... for birthstones, please!</p> urn:store:1:blog:post:11 https://www.distinctivegold.com/mens-night-at-dgj Men's Night at DGJ <p><strong>Men's Night at Distinctive Gold Jewelry</strong></p> <p> </p> <p><strong><img src="/images/uploaded/Images/BlogImages/Men_sNight2.jpg" alt="" width="600" height="391" /></strong></p> <p><br /><strong>We will be having our Men's Night February 6th, starting at 7PM at Distinctive Gold Jewelry!</strong></p> <p>We are located at 19991 S. Lagrange Road, Frankfort Il.</p> <p>We will be having a free spirits tasting from Frankfort Spirits, located here in town. As well as raffling off Chicago Blackhawks Tickets versus the Detroit Red Wings, a split the pot that will be donated to a local charity, Valentine's day gifts and special offers on jewelry. Whether it's a ring, Chamilia bead, Endless Jewelry charm, or a Tissot Watch for yourself! We will have everything out and open after hours for this special event! Get her that gift she wants just in time for Valentine's Day!</p> <p>Reserve your spot at mensnight@distinctivegold.com, Give us your name and say "I'll be there"</p> <p>If you need some help getting her just what she wants, have her send us her Jewelry Wishlist to wishlist@distinctivegold.com!</p> <p>See you there!</p> <p> </p> <p><img src="/images/uploaded/Images/BlogImages/MNdice.jpg" alt="" width="672" height="897" /></p> urn:store:1:blog:post:9 https://www.distinctivegold.com/moissanite-as-a-gem Moissanite as a Gem <p>What is it? It is a non-natural accruing mineral on earth (for now) but discovered by a French chemist Dr. Henri Moissan, when in Arizona at the Meteor site. Called “Meteor Crater” near Diablo Canyon. Working in the industry we see it become more and more popular as a substitute for the diamaond in engagement rings because of it's affordability. However, we want to get more in depth.</p> <p>Here are some interesting facts, and a misstep about Moissanite:</p> <p>On the scale of Mohs Hardness, it is a “9.25”. This is out of a scale of 1 to 10.</p> <p>“9.25” is pretty serious stuff. See the scale just below here.</p> <p>_________________________</p> <p>10 is a Diamond<br />9.25 is Moissanite<br />9 is ruby and sapphire<br />8<br />7<br />…<br />2.5 Amber (harden sap from a tree)<br />2 is Gypsum<br />1 is Talc<br />______________________</p> <p>So it is harder than ruby and sapphire, but still not as hard as diamond. The “mis-step” with Moissanite is that the web site (Moissanite by CHARLES &amp; COLVARD CREATED MOISSANITE) states it Harder than Diamond … well, no! <br />So can it wear... well, yes. But it would take a while and can happen. I’ve seen it.</p> <p>It does have a high refractive indices … higher than diamond and sometimes referred as double refractive.<br />Cubic zirconia 2.15 <br />Diamond 2.419<br />Moissanite 2.65 (yes higher than diamond)</p> <p><br />So with all this mumbo jumbo, what does it all mean?</p> <p>It’s a very usable gem, for our industry, and has genuine merit for fine jewelry use. And I’m in as an advocate... Whether you are looking for a great gemstone for you pendant or earrings, or an alternative to a diamond for your engagement ring... It suits as a pretty good substitute. Your welcome Charles Colvard, and thank you Dr. Moissan!</p> urn:store:1:blog:post:7 https://www.distinctivegold.com/look-whats-new-again Look what's new... again <p><img src="/images/uploaded/Images/BlogImages/Marquie.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="264" /></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p>The 1980's is fighting it's way back folks. We are seeing the rebirth of the Marquise Shape Diamond. Now before you go "yuk... blah ... ew" or say never. Remember, not too long ago people said "I don't like white gold jewelry", and now it is, debatably, the leading trend. (Although yellow gold is coming back... but that's a discussion for another blog post...)</p> <p>It is, in its finest form, one of the more unusual shaped/cut diamonds out there. But com'on!?! Who doesn't like a diamond shaped like a football?</p> <p>The fact stands though, it's shape gives more size for the budget. And I will admit I hated them when popular opinion was not in favor of the Marquise.</p> <p>However, I now stand corrected... cause take a look at this beauty.</p> urn:store:1:blog:post:8 https://www.distinctivegold.com/marriage-and-engagement-rings Marriage and Engagement Rings <p> </p> <p><img src="/images/uploaded/Images/BlogImages/CR193W_2.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="378" /></p> <p> </p> <p>One of the most satisfying things that we, at DGJ, get to do is work with new couples and guide them through the begining steps of their new life together. The fact about marriage is that it is something that is beautiful and unique. Just as unique as each couple that comes in to our store, and just as unique as the engagement ring that we see each new couple come in to pick out.</p> <p> </p> <p>We like to think that DGJ plays a vital role in those first steps in a couple's relationship. What we believe sets us apart, is that not only are we helping to get a couple to the new step in their relationship, but that we are creating a relationship with them as well. Whether we are helping to start those first steps towards the alter, or seeing the first steps of that couple's first child. We love to be a part of people's lives as much as they are a part of ours.</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p>It always brings a smile to our face when we get to see each couple come in and we see the why they are getting married. Whether it be the goofy back and forth dialogue between them, and you can just tell they are best friends. Or the undying passion, care, and respect that each partner has for each other. It's times like that, that helps us see the true basic form of love. The true reason for marriage.</p> <p> </p> <p>That couple's relationship that we get to see grow through the years is something that is so spectacular you would only think to hear it in only a fairytale. We see the couple grow together, and see families start and become closer. We appreciate the love that each couple has and we see it when she comes in faithfully to get her ring checked, cleaned, and repaired by us. Through that we see the love that the couple still has for each other. How much the ring meant, and means to her still. How much the person who gave her the ring means to her. That's the beautiful thing about what we get to do and see.</p> urn:store:1:blog:post:2 https://www.distinctivegold.com/new-tech-citizen-watches New Tech - Citizen Watches <p><span style="font-size: 26pt;"><img style="undefined" src="/images/uploaded/Images/BlogImages/Events.gif" alt="" width="350" height="453" /></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 26pt;">NewTech</span></p> <p><br />Citizen watches, renowned for their superior quality timepieces, is arguably the largest manufacturer of watch components worldwide. The brand has taken the watch world by storm and designed a technologically advanced chronograph watch that is set to be the ultimate boy's toy. Available limitedly, this an ideal present for any Gent who likes the most up to date gadgets. IT WILL LET YOU KNOW WHEN YOUVE WALKED AWAY FROM YOUR iPHONE. You can place your order with us now to ensure delivery. Now for the interesting bits, currently the Citizen Proximity Bluetooth watch is compatible with the iPhone 4S or newer iPhone models.</p> urn:store:1:blog:post:3 https://www.distinctivegold.com/mothers-day-event-honora-pearls-trunk-show Mother's Day Event - Honora Pearls Trunk Show <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><strong><img src="/images/uploaded/Images/BlogImages/GiftWPurchaseLayers.jpg" alt="" width="368" height="374" /></strong></p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Join us May 9th 2013 for our</strong></p> <p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Honora Pearls Trunk Show</span></p> <p><br />Buy $150 or more of HONORA Jewelry, and get all six pearl earrings as our gift to you. A $75 value!</p> <p><br />Surprise Mom This Year!</p> urn:store:1:blog:post:4 https://www.distinctivegold.com/chamilia-love-for-moms-new-gift-set-gift-with-purchase Chamilia - Love for Moms - New Gift Set & Gift With Purchase <p> </p> <p><strong><img src="/images/uploaded/Images/BlogImages/chamiliaMomsDay2013a.jpg" alt="" width="586" height="629" /></strong></p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Love for Moms!</strong></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt;">New Gift Sets &amp;</span><br /><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Gift With Purchase</span></p> <p> </p> <p>Stop in May 9th through the 11th to check out the new Chamilia Charms that show Mom how much you love her!</p> <p> </p> <p>Plus, if you spend $99 on Chamilia products, you are eligible to receive a free Chamilia Tote!</p> urn:store:1:blog:post:5 https://www.distinctivegold.com/kabana-mothers-day-trunk-show-may-10th Kabana Mother's Day Trunk Show - May 10th <p> </p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><strong><img src="/images/uploaded/Images/BlogImages/dsgTrunkShowMOMpinkFacebook.jpg" alt="" width="403" height="403" /></strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><strong>"Kabana is the purveyor of dreams, desires, and happiness."</strong></span></p> <p><br />What better could Mom ask for on Mother's Day?</p> <p> </p> <p>Stop in May 10th for the Kabana Mother's Day Trunk Show to see this necklace and much more!</p> urn:store:1:blog:post:6 https://www.distinctivegold.com/complete-mothers-day-set-only-89 Complete Mother's Day Set - Only $89 <p><strong><img src="/images/uploaded/Images/BlogImages/mothersDay2013Promo.jpg" alt="" width="641" height="641" /></strong></p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Get this complete Kameleon Mother's Day Gift Set for only $89.</strong></p> <p>Hurry in while supplies last!</p> <p>Sold Out</p>